Anselmi San Vicenzo 2000, IGT Veneto
Soave with a difference (deliberately declassified to IGT status),
I recommended Anselmi's 1999 San Vicenzo here a while back; I'm
pleased to say that the 2000 is even better. A blend of Garganega,
Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Soave, it has a lovely, rich floral nose
with a nutty edge. The palate is rich, full textured, fruity and
nutty. Delicious stuff. Very good/excellent (c. £7)
Falasco Valpolicella 2000, Valpantena, Veneto
This organic Valpolicella is a pale cherry colour, and shows
sweet, ripe cherry fruit on the nose with a touch of herbiness. The
medium bodied palate is soft and rounded: nice stuff for glugging but
not particularly serious. Good/very good (c. £6)
Falasco Amarone della Valpolicello 1997, Valpantena, Veneto
Wonderfully rich spicy nose with a vanilla and dark chocolate
edge. The rich, soft, dense palate is quite oaky, but there's plenty
of interest here. Perhaps a touch rustic? Very good (c. £15)
Amarone Classico 1995, La Regose, Veneto
A faded purple/red colour with a bricking edge. Slightly volatile
nose shows cherry fruit and spice, with a dusty, herby edge. There's
good density on the palate, along with cedarwood and spice notes.
Quite a big wine. Very good (c. £15)
Pinot Bianco 2000, Vinnaoili Jermann, Friuli
Lovely rich spicy nose with a citrussy edge. It's still a little
youthful and tanky, but there's great density on the palate. Fresh and
savoury. Very good/excellent (c. £12)
Merlot 1998, Vistorta, Friuli
Bright red purple colour. Lovely savoury nose with a leafy edge to
the fruit. Savoury with drying tannins on the palate: this is a
delicious, almost Loire-like red wine, with 'cool-climate' fruit. Very
good+ (c. £8)