Barbera d'Asti Mora di Sassi by Malgrà - it's Christmas, you can't be stingy!

Dear Wine Lovers,

Christmas is at the door and we have to choose a good wine to drink in these joyful days.

As usual, in this case all of us tend to drink something special and also this year, my suggestion is: don't change wine, select a good bottle and go straigh with "her", she'll be your lady and you cannot betray your lady.

A couple of days ago, I received an e-mail from a Wine Lover and he asked me this:

"I need to buy six bottles of wine for my Christmas lunch, could you suggest something special, not too complicated and nicely drinkable"

Oh, man, I love it when you ask me these questions!

Ok, today we're coming back to one of my favourite region, Piedomont, to taste one of the most fruity and special wines produced in this amazing e unique terroir:

Barbera d'Asti Mora di Sassi by Malgrà

listen, if you've read something on this blog you know that I love the Barbera grape and when I discover a new product like this I'm in seventh heaven!

Here we have one of the best Barbera that I've ever tasted, 100% - obviusly - Barbera grapes, a lovely deep ruby-purple colour, a lot of sweet sensations at the nose, very balanced on the palate. Only hyper-selected "CRU" of Barbera grapes, 24 months in barrique but with a classic example of a great use of wood.

No doubt... here we have a maasterstroke wine.

Otherwise.... If you are searching for some bubbles for your Christmas aperitif, you have two options:

http://wineloverscorner.blogspot.com/2009/12/prosecco-di-valdobbiadene-by-aneri-and.html

or one of the best "bubbles" ever

http://wineloverscorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/franciacorta-cavelleri-blanc-de-blancs.html

So, now you have all the right tools to impress your guests, you just have to cook...

(a quote for you: "I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food")

All my best wishes for a lovely Xmas,

See u next year,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Gewürztraminer by Elena Walch - spring in your glass... all over the year!

Dear Wine Lovers,

How are you doing? Are you well? in this moment I'm in a meditation-phase but I'm also happy cause today I had a wonderful lunch with my special colleagues and we had a couple of hours to stay together "outdoors" in a really comfortable and positive seafood restaurant named "Sale Grosso". Good company, good seafood and, of course, good wine.

You know that I'm not a fan of "white wine", as I always say... I PREFER BUBBLES, but sometimes I think that could be fun to explore also some worlds that we don't know so well and let "contamination" conquer our heart and enrich our soul.

Indeed, today I'm very excited to take your chilly hand and, offering you a cashemere warm glove, bring you to in one of the northernmost points of Italy, near the city of Bolzano. It is located in the South Tyrol area, Trentino Alto Adige region. Oh my gosh, amazing place, really characteristic landscape and most of all, some of the best mountains in the world, my lovely Dolomites.

So we're talking about north, talking about mountains, talking about South Tyrol and I'm proud to introduce you a really good white wine that surprises me every time:

Gewürztraminer by Elena Walch

When you say "Gewürztraminer" you are talking about the three "f-factor": freshness, flowery and funny.

In this case, we are in front of one of the best Gewürztraminer I've ever had. Of course 100% Gewürztraminer grape, in purity, a really rich and concentrated body, an amazing golden-honey brilliant color with the typical mineral scents of this kind of grape and with a wonderful full-flowery bouquet.

This is a top class wine, made by one of my favorite wine companies of the Trentino Alto Adige region.

That's all for today but remember... "If your heart is warm with happiness, you'll need a glass - if sorrow chills your heart, have two!"

Stick around,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo by Masciarelli - a Wine in a Blue Tuxedo!

Dear Wine Lovers,

First of all, I miss you so much! I've had a really busy working-period and I couldn't write any wine-review.

I'm so sorry for that.

Due to this 3-weeks-absence, today we have to celebrate this reunion with a special gift, with one of my favorite wines. I'm really happy to take you again on a wonderful region named Abruzzo, in a medieval small town in the province of Chieti named San Martino sulla Marruccina. This amazing town has of just one thousand people, the air is pure and you can breathe an ancient sense of nature and serenity. Here there is one of my favorite wine-makers, Masciarelli Family, and I had talked about them in this review:

http://wineloverscorner.blogspot.com/2010/01/marina-cvetic-montepulciano-dabruzzo-by.html

Today, as promised, I'm here to present you a master, a king, the strongest native muscle wine of our country:

Villa Gemma Montepulciano D'Abruzzo by Masciarelli

Oh - My - Goodness!

Now you should imagine having a bottle of Villa Gemma Montepulciano D'Abruzzo in front of you, so, open it.

First and only negative information: pay attention to the cork - unfortunately, it happened a lot of times that I opened a bottle of Villa Gemma and it was ruined by a bad-quality cork. I think that there was a bad-batch of cork. But today the problem has been fixed so don't worry. I've got some problem with the 2004 vintage and maybe some 2001 and 2003. Last time I tasted an amazing 2005 and it was really really good. So, don't worry, are you managing a precious gemstone... and I suggest you to open it almost 2 hours before tasting.

Prepare your clean and shining balloon glass and pour-down the wine looking at the wonderful color, oh no, you're not daltonian, you're looking good, the color is deep, dark, is not just red... it's blue! Oh, I love it.

Now wait 30 seconds and then put nose in the glass with decision and smell; you'll find a complex bouquet that you'll never forget. This bouquet will be confirmed in your mouth, with an explosion of mature red fruity flavor, flowery, spices, vanilla and my lovely sense of leather.

Suggested Price: around 45 Euros. The perfect gift for Christmas.

There are no enough effective words to describe this wine, you have just buy a bottle of this masterpiece wine and have an experience that you'll take with you forever.

Life is poetry!

Enjoy,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

YRNM by Miceli - marvel your guest!

Dear Wine Lovers,

Now it is time to kick off your shoes and have a minute of sweet dreams. I'm going to whisper an incredible fairy tale to you...

Once upon a time, in a wild island called YRNM, embraced by Sicily's Sea, there was a legend, a secret. Something magical happened when a man planted on this terrific island a seed of grape named "Muscat of Alexandria".

Ok, now wake up! Today the grapes have grown and we call them "Zibibbo". The island has become more and more beautiful and we call "her" Pantelleria. Lady Pantelleria.

Oh, I am crazy for this island; I've written another review about this honey place, you can find it here:

http://wineloverscorner.blogspot.com/2010/02/passito-di-pantelleria-martingana-2000.html

Today I'm so happy to tell you something about an outsider white DRY wine with the same native name of the island:

YRNM by Miceli

Usually we associate Zibibbo grape to lovely dessert wines, I do it at first. But a friend of mine suggested to taste this 100% Zibibbo based DRY white wine and I could not wait to write about this experience.

Like you maybe know I prefer "bubbles" to "still whites" but sometimes I have to taste also the classical whites - I know, this is not a hard sacrifice - and this is one of "those” times that I've been really happy to discover a new special product.

Back to wine...

Light yellow clear colour with sensations of jasmine, lemon, musk and the typical scents of Sicilian soil. The taste is dry, but with some sweet notes, fresh and really equilibrate. I've tasted it together with an incredible seafood pasta and the combination has been incredibly perfect. (“Paccheri” by Gerardo di Nola, with Moscardini and fresh tomatoes. I've got an amazing recipe write me in PVT if you want it).

So, this wine could be a mould-breaker and I'm sure that you'll love it from the first sip, as usual!

Stay tuned and enjoy this fabulous life.

Angelo D'Alessandro
thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Chianti Classico Fonterutoli by Mazzei - simply gorgeous!

Dear Wine Lovers,

Are you fine? Thanks a lot for your emails, I'm always really happy to help you on your wine-doubts. A lot of friends sometimes call me directly from Supermarket or Wine shop: "Angelo, I've got a dinner tonight..."

Oh, I really love that and I'm always happy to give my little contribute to your special occasions.

Today I'd like to welcome you on board of my steam-country-train and to take you in my lovely Tuscany. Yes kids, we're coming back on the stunning Tuscany hills, near Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of Chianti Classico area where the Sangiovese grape rules.

We're now arriving to Fonterutoli Station, please remember your personal belongings and thank you for travelling with "Wine Addicted Railways Company".

Today I'm too bright, sorry, but I'm sober, really!

Have you ever heard of the name: "Mazzei"?

Mazzei is an ancient family and they owned "Castello di Fonterutoli" since 1435. I suggest you visit this amazing medieval place. This family produces some of my favourite wines ever like "Castello di Fonterutoli" or "Siepi" but today I'd like to talk about the simplest available wine:

Chianti Classico Fonterutoli by Mazzei

90% San Giovese, 5% Malvasia Nera, 5% Merlot, but this is not a blend, it's just a finishing touch that gives completeness to the extraordinary San Giovese based grape.

This wine is a magnificent example of the real and incomparable "Chianti Classico". The colour is deep, brilliant and impenetrable, scent of mature red fruit with the "clap on the back" of the oak barrels and a long and persistent final on the palate.

No other words needed... you just go on the Web or at your Supermarket and take one bottle of this authentic example of talent-wine.

(Price suggested 15/18 Euros)

I don't want to become a retail marketer but if you write me "in private" I can give you some addresses where you can find easily this lovely product.

A perfect wine for this season... a warm wine for warm people!

Every day is Friday, enjoy!

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Barbera Montebruna by Braida - a Rock'n Roll wine!

Dear Wine Lovers,

Welcome back and it's so nice to meet you again on my blog.

Today I'm very happy to show you an example of life, wine and music founded themselves into a project created by Giuseppe and Raffaella Bologna, sons of the creator of famous Braida wine company. We're in Piedmont and this is the second "Barbera" that I'm presenting on Wine Lovers Corner Blog - you can see the first here:

http://wineloverscorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/barbera-dasti-tre-roveri-pico-maccario.html

Incredible region, rich of traditions and with some of the most important master wineproducers of the world. I love Piedmont especially in this period of the year, I think that Autumn is an amazing season to visit this wonderful place; vineyard colours change day by day and the morning breeze makes it one of the best hill-landscapes of the universe.

So, I don't wanna lose time and will get to the point.

On our silver tray today...

Barbera Montebruna 2010 by Giuseppe e Raffaella Bologna (Braida)

Oh gosh I love Barbera grapes and I go crazy when I find a good Barbera wine like this. The tasting starts already outside the bottle, with a touching poem written by Omar Pedrini, a great Italian musician and a wine lover like us. I don't want to copy the poem simply because you have to try this wine and read at the same time the poet's words. We're a talking about a young wine but with a character that I love. 100% Barbera grapes of Montebruna CRU, violet glossy ruby red colour, scent of sweet cherries and perfumes of nature. Taste is fresh, balanced, harmonious with the typical long finish of well-done Barbera wines.

Here we have also a wine that is really really simple to match with food. You can try it during lunch, aperitive, dinner, maybe also breakfast? I'm joking, although a very good american friend of mine has taught me that in Napa Valley is it never too early in the morning to drink a glass of good wine.

Isn't it true?

So my dear wine-friends, I'm sure that you will have no problem to find this wine, also abroad, maybe using the power of web. Retail price suggeste about 10-12 Euros. It is another one of the best priced, quality ratio wine ever.

Choose a good soundtrack, polish your corkscrew and enjoy this very drinkable red wine.

Nobody can stop Rock'n Roll!

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Tancredi by Donnafugata - treat yourself to an amazing holiday in Sicily

Dear Wine Lovers,

How are you today? Here in Milan Autumn is coming and our kitchens, the courses and their ingredients are changing. This is the right moment to taste, for example, a good salad of Porcini mushrooms maybe with a fresh beef tartare of Piedimont's Scottona... that has been my today's lunch and now, I don't know why but I'm still hungry. I've finished my lunch 3 hours ago and I can't help but think about all the marvelous scents and sensations that good food has given me.

Ok Angelo, you're here to talk about wine, this is not a culinary-spot!

Sir, Ma'am, today I'm really proud because I'm bringing you hand by hand in my origin land, my lovely and awesome Sicily! Who doesn't know this wonderful Italian region? Oh, I miss my Sicily too much and, for now, the only way to put a foot on the Sicilian soil is to drink a Sicilian wine.

When you open a bottle of wine, one of the best things to do, is to try to imagine all the work behind the bottle, imagine the vineyard, the grapes, the landscapes immerse in the morning fog of the spring. I think that wine is all of this, not only taste but a story, a movie, a dream.

Ok, now I'm deeply moved, I'm taking a Cleenex and...

This wine that I'm going to introduce you is one of the first red wines that I've really appreciated in my life. A very good friend of mine, a rare person who has changed my life, and not for this "wine-reason", named Mauro, has given me the opportunity to discover this product and today, after 10+ bottle and vintages tasted, I'm glad to present:

Tancredi by Donnafugata

All the power and the amazing notes of Sicily, a blend of Nero D'Avola grapes (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, really well done from the famous Donnafugata company in the Contessa Ermellina D.O.C. area.

The sun of the magnificent Sicily gives the Nero D'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon an amazing colour with sensations of cacao, licorice, Arabian spices and obviously mature red fruits. But I can't do an organolectic exam of this wine, I can only suggest you to find this wine and try it as soon as possible. Sip and dream.

Good quality-price ratio, just 18-20 € (retail suggested price), for one of the best traditional reds of Italy.

Are you still there?

Thanks for your affection and I hope to meet you soon here, on Wine Lovers Corner, next week.

Enjoy wine, enjoy life.

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Ribolla Gialla Vinnae by Jermann - Smile... summer will never end!

Dear Wine Lovers,

I'm happy to find you here again.

I'm not a fan of white wines, the followers of this blog know that, but sometimes I find on my footpath some really interesting white wines and today I'd like to speak about one of my favorites.

I love champagne, I love our Franciacorta "sparkling-bubbles-super-wines" and some Italians Prosecco so I don't understand perfectly the white wines, it's my fault, I know, but when I can choose what will be the favorite match with my seafood, for example, I usually get bubbles :).

For my personal culture, happens that I try some white wine or that some friend invites me to do that and today I'm very happy to share with you this product:

RIBOLLA GIALLA VINNAE by JERMANN

Jermann is one of the best wine producers of our country, from Friuli Venezia Giulia region, on the Collio hills. They produced some of "kings-wine" of the world, like the famous and fabulous "Capo Martino" or "Vintage Tunina".

This "VINNAE", Ribolla Gialla grapes based (with just a little bit of Tocai and Riesling), is a really young, fresh and "funny" wine. Full-fruity flavor, I really enjoyed this wine three times in the last month, the classic white wine that everyone should have in our cellars, just for aperitif or some unexpected happening with friends.

The autumn is at the door so this is the right moment to drink this kind of wines because in a couple of week we can start with all our lovely and power impenetrable reds!!! (In reality, I've never stopped).

Just a note, regarding my last review, on my U.S. excursion in Napa Valley... and talking about "whites", I've loved another product, same winemakers of the "fab-cab" mentioned, Estate Sauvignon Blanc Tres Hermanos by Wolf Family Vineyards, unfortunately available only in US, UK and Japan, one of the best white (for my palate) ever.

Now I have to go, there is a "never-tasted" Pinot Noir that is waiting for me, it sounds like a "blind-date" will it be a loving date?

Enjoy life and live like: EVERY DAY IS FRIDAY!!!

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

PS: this review is dedicate to my very good friends Sophie & Ella!

Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by Wolf Family Vineyards - a wine of the heart... a rare product from rare people!

Dear Wine Lovers,

I'm back and thanks a lot for your e-mails received during the summer break.

Yes, I've got a lot of “bullets in my gun", new product tasted, old “friends" and so on... but today I'm going to tell you about an exception for this blog.

I know, this is an Italian wines blog but I absolutely have to write about an incredible experience done a couple of weeks ago a lot of miles away from Italy.

Also this year I've had my U.S.A. reinvigorating-trip. You know, I'm a "US-addicted" and I go there every time I can. A lot of miles driven, a lot of amazing landscapes and a lot of special people met. I love American people, I love their pragmatism, their bravery, their power and their affability, oh yes, I love that country.

My last trip has been a very very lucky trip, especially during my "Napa Valley" week, when I've had the honour to meet two really rare people that I'll never forget, Jane and Kathryne.

Today I'm very happy to talk you about one of the best wine that I've never tasted in my life, only for that I'm doing an exception and I'm very glad to introduce you to (drum roll):

Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by Wolf Family Vineyards

Oh my gosh, you can't imagine how many sensations are held captive in this wine, I can define it: "a dream in a bottle".

All the power of Cabernet Sauvignon has been emphasized by a long peaceful sleep in almost all new oak barrels. Amazing purple, brilliant and impenetrable red colour, explosive inkling of mature red fruit at the nose, mature Californian plum, home-made cherry jam and toasted spices. At the palate is really gorgeous, muscle, intense, warm and with an unforgettable long finish.

What kind of experience my wine-friends, I've tried this wine about ten days ago but now, while I'm writing this review I'm yet enjoying all the sensations of that tasting-date, it was a stunning wine encounter that I'll never forget.

This wine, and especially the people who are behind this wine, have enriched my life-journey and I'm really honoured to have met them.

God bless Sant' Helena :)

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Le Pergole Torte by Montevertine - an authentic starwine before the summer-break!

Dear Wine Lovers,

exactly one year ago, at this time, I was in Tuscany, in the Chianti Classico area, for one of my wine-maniac-trips. It was really hot but I had a lot of fun; I went to "Padellina" and had the best "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" ever, I've had a "Tête-à-tête" on-the-road meeting with a real live wild boar (Cinghiale), I visited the biggest wine-tasting-shop of Europe "Cantine di Greve in Chianti" and, for the first time in my life, tasted an amazing "bruschetta with spleen sauce". Unforgettable!

I love to explore the Tuscan hills anytime of the year and lose myself on the beautiful paths each time that I can. Oh, my lovely and unique Tuscany (sigh of relief)... Ok Angelo, now back on the main road!

During my wine-journeys, I always try to scheduled some visits to some wine-houses, maybe not always the famous ones cause I don't like the "tourist-approach" of the cellar-tour. There are some wine companies that have organized the cellar-tour with headphones and digital-virtual-assistant that can explain you all the information you need in any language you want. To me I consider that horrible, I'm not at Louvre or on the Alcatraz Island, I'm in a wine-cellar and I'd like to have a visit managed by the "cellar man" or by the owner. I have to feel the human passion that there is inside this inimitable product named WINE! No joke.

I knew a wine, one of the best cubby-wine of the world, produced by Azienda Agricola Montevertine, near Gaiole in Chianti and Radda in Chianti (gorgeous place dude), so I called them to set an appointment to visit the vineyard and the game was done! With a 2 minute call, I organized one of the best wine-tour-experiences of my life, a sensational authentic private tour drived by Andrea, the "cellarman" of Montevertine, a special person with a huge passion for his job and today I'm really honored to introduce you one of the first "100% Sangiovese grape" wine that have been producted:

Le Pergole Torte by Montevertine

(I'm on my knees now)

100% Sangiovese grape, amazing ruby-red colour, a glorious fruit explosion at the nose, unusual refinement and elegance on the palate but I don't want to make the wine analysis that you'll find on one thousand blogs all around the world... I'd like to give you the sensation and the dedication that has been made this wine, one of the best products of the world.

Mr. Sergio Manetti bought Montevertine in 1967 and he has brought this company from a pin-point to the worldwide success. Today his son, Martino Manetti, is driving Montervertine with a huge talent and the production is going really really well. I'd like to say that Mr. Manetti has been the "discoverer of authentic Chianti Classico", a pioneer!

There is a fun-fact that happened near 1970, when Mr. Manetti received strong criticism from the "Consorzio of Chianti Classico" due to him being the FIRST in Tuscany that covered the road of 100% Sangiovese grape wine; the "Consorzio" stigmatized the hardness of Sangiovese entirety in a wine... that's incredible. Today every winemaker produces Chianti Classico only with Sangiovese grapes, in purity, and Mr. Manetti had thought on this many years ago, he has been a precursor.

In Montervertine other great red wines are made like "Pian Del Ciampolo" and "Montevertine"; I have to insist that you sign this "appointment" for your next road-trip on the fantastic Tuscany hills.

Milano is hotter than hell and I can't continue to speak about red wine, so, I wish you a great holiday break and I hope to meet you on "Wine Lovers Corner" in September, when the leaves fall and the bottles uncork.

Thanks a lot for your friendship and remember that: enjoy wines, enjoy life!

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Like Hamlet I can say: sulfites or not sulfites, that is the question!

Hi Guys,

Today I'd like to talk about a famous fallacy about wines so, first of all, look at the title of this review!

Done that?

Ok, there is no doubt and no questions at all and I'll try to explain to you what I think about it.

Everyone of us have seen the written word "contains sulfites" on wine bottles and many of us have understood something like: "Oh my gosh... I'm going to drink a chemical potion".

No, no, really don't worry folks, wine needs "sulfur dioxide" (sulphites) to preserve itself and human beings, usually, tolerate it with no problem.

Someone could be allergic to the sulfites but this is another task; generally our body has no problem synthesizing this fundamental additive for our lovely wines.

Sulfites play a really important role in the winemaking production chain, they control the fermentation and the proliferation of "bad bacteria" that could damage wines.

Obviously, like everything, the use or abuse of the sulfites is to the discretion of the winemaker.

If the grape is sane and it has picked up at the right grade of maturation and if it has treated well (with care) from vineyard to the cellar the use of sulfites can be limited and proportioned with no problems.

My personal experience has been about one week ago. I was in my favourite wine-shop in Milano and I was looking for some "news". I've found a bottle of bio-wine from Sicily, Nerello Mascalese grape (that I love) a 1999 vintage (really risky for a bio-wine). At first the "sulfites or not sulfites" issue didn't occur to me so I bought two bottles of that wine and I'm back at home happy like a baby after his first sip of CocaCola.

I was preparing dinner, waiting for some friends and I had opened one bottle of the above mentioned win to let it breath for a couple of hours (not enough for a 1999 wine but better than nothing).

Popped the cork off and... horrible sensations, it was an extra-matured wine, smell like the worst Porto or Marlasala that I've ever whiffed, with a feeble red-brown colour, terrible nose and acid taste.

The base of this wine was a fabulous pool of amazing grapes, led by "the king" Nerello Mascalese but due to the absence of sulfites and the long period in the bottle, the result had been really negative: undrinkable wine.

So, I re-corked it, & opened another bottle for dinner and the day after I'm back at the wine-shop for the "restitution" of that wine.

Another think, remember that: SPIRITS ARE DEAD in THE BOTTLE, they live only in the oak but WINE LIVES also IN THE BOTTLE!

In reference to that, a wine can ruin itself due to a bad preservation or bad cork and you, the customer, have the possibility to go to the supermarket or wineshop with the "bad-wine" and with the relative receipt and ask for an exchange. You have right to do that.

So, dear wine lovers, sulfites, in the right dosed quantity, are one of the best wine-friends and we should be grateful for their action.

Last thing, I know that there are some bio-wine, to drink young, that are really good even without the control of the sulfites but I think that if you're searching for a good aged wine, produced in a traditional way, don't worry about the "sulfites indication".

Drink responsibly and you better stick around :)

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Baccarossa by Poggio Le Volpi - a Roman saying: "magnamo e bevemo finchè ce semo"

Hi Wine Lovers,

sorry for my delay but I have had some really challenging work weeks and I had no time to write a wine review.

Now, here I am and I'm really glad to take for a stroll arm in arm and show you the door of a fantastic Italian region named "Lazio".

Today our e-trip is at "Olevano Romano", an amazing medieval village only 70 km from Rome; located at the foot of the "Celeste" mountain in a spectacular landscape, another Italian gem that everyone should visit.

Its not so simple to find good wines from Lazio on the Wine List of restaurants abroad or on the wine rankings but everything is changing and also the winemakers from Lazio are showing their muscles and their capabilities.

I'm really glad about that cause the sun, the soil and the "Romans folklore" of this area are the perfect ingredients to make this place a perfect place to produce a great wine that's got a strong character.

Indeed... winelovers, prepare your taste buds cause I'm intruducing you to a wonderful wine that I love:

Baccarossa by Poggio Le Volpi

100% Nero Buono grape, one of the most ancient native grapes of our country, with an amazing ruby dark red colour, really enjoyable structure, silky tannins, elegant fruity, ripe blackberries, cherry and with a long long and plesaurable "tail".

Mine has been the typical experience, I was a little bit skeptical but since I first poured the nectar in my glass my dream has begun... and it was one of the most beautiful and sweet dreams of my life.

I hope that Poggio Le Volpi will continue to produce this master-piece-wine, it's a TALENT!

Tks a lot for your attention, "tin" the balloon and see you soon,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Montevetrano 2004 by Silvia Imparato - Ladies & Gentlemen... the Prince!

Hi Wine Lovers,

today I'll bring you to an amazing wine-tasting-journey in the south of Italy; more specifically Campania region, near the city of Salerno, near the stunning Costiera Amalfitana, to discover one of the best red wines in our country, maybe not so celeb like other "king-wines" but, believe me, I'm talking about an experience that every "Wine Lover" should try.

So, I put my soft velvet white gloves on and I gently knock at the door of the "Azienda Agricola Montevetrano"...knock, knock... Is anyone home?

Guys, I'm really excited to introduce two really special people to you, two great masters, Ms. Silvia Imparato (the managerial brain) and Mr. Riccardo Coratella (the genius oenologist) and obviously their huge and talented crew.

Here, about 16 years ago a prince was born, with the protection of the Appenini moutains as a crown and the gentle caress of the Tirreno sea a throne, I'm really honoured to present you:

Montevetrano by Silvia Imparato

I'm virtually kissing Ms. Imparato's hand at this moment as a sign of maximum respect.

Thanks to a review of Mr. Leonardo LoCascio (President & CEO Winebow, Inc), I've recently tasted a 2004 vintage and I'll never forget this far-out experience.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot grapes with a "sprinkle" of my lovely Aglianico, a touch of the magic-wand of Mr. Riccardo Coratella and the game is done!

Pls, look at this gorgeous colour, an impenetrable ruby "blue" red that will touch your soul, Wow, I really loved it; you have to take a few minutes just to admire its colour, thinking about all the hard work, experience and research that lies behind a product like this.

At the nose is a really prodigious, powerful, balanced, extraordinarily floral scent, in the mouth it conveys all its greatness, really generous with remarkable fruity and spicy aromas, violet, mature cherry and berry jam with a long and pleasurable finish.

Angelo, is this a love declaration?

For sure, I fell in love with this wine and I hope to taste another bottle as soon as possible.

Is not so easy to find in the wineshops but don't forget that the "WorlWideWeb" could we open all of Heaven's doors. Suggested retail price 50/55 Euros, I'm talking about a Prince!

Tks a lot for your appreciated attention, drink responsibly and stick around lovers,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Hierà by Azienda Agricola Hauner - when a volcano works well!

Dear Wine Lovers,

Really nice to find you here at WLC today. How have you been?

I'm fine myself but this unbalanced rainy weather makes me feel "humid" (I've got some musk on my shoes).

But seriously, I have to tell you about an amazing red wine from a gorgeous little island, so.... welcome to Salina, an island in the Aeolian Islands (known in Italian as Isole Eolie) north of Sicily, southern Italy.

Salina has a total surface area of 27 km². It is included on the "World Heritage List" especially because of its worth for vulcanology and it's composed of six volcanoes.

Further thoughts*: (* tks WonderPatty for the concession)

Only 27 km², six volcanoes (Gosh, SIX!!!), 400 different types of plants and a population of 2.300... is there a better place to cultivate a vineyard???

This was the ultimate goal of Mr. Carlo Hauner, a famous painter, a pioneer, a wine producer and above all a great great man.

Mr. Hauner founded his jewel, "Azienda Agricola Hauner", in Salina in 1963 and today the company is headed by his son Carlo Hauner Jr. along with the precious collaboration of Mr. Gianfranco Sabbatino.

Today I'm very happy to introduce to you a red wine that bewitched me at first glance (tks uncle Stefano for the much appreciated gift):

Hierà by Azienda Agricola Hauner

Three ancient and native grapes: Calabrese (also named "Nero D'Avola"), Alicante & Nocera. No tricks! Short barrique passage, 3 months of "sweet dreams" in the bottle and then it's ready for the market and for the lucky customers.

Oh guys, unbelievable young and fresh red wine, lots of spices and all the character of the volcanic island of Salina.A ruby red colour, hint of mature red fruits, cherry jam, a really smooth and pleasant long finish... perfect for your BBQ or for your summer dining. Suggested retail price 10/12 euros, U CAN'T GO WRONG!

Flavour of Sicily, smell of nature, extraordinary simplicity!

All my compliments to the Hauner family for their great job on this.

Stick around and see you soon,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

Il Bosco by Tenimenti Luigi D'Alessandro - unfortunately... he's not my uncle :)

Dear Wine Lovers,

today we have to go (hurried) to one of my favourite and already mentioned region: My Lovely Tuscany!!!

Guys, this is a "debunking blog" so I can't be impartial... I LOVE TUSCANY with all my hearth, this is the true.

We are going to make a little dream trip to "Cortona", one of the ancient and nobile city that I've never seen in my life.

Wow man, we are on Valdichiana hills, in the middle of nature, amazing colours, endless vineyards and scents of life (am I a poet or not?) Stop joking now dude!

I'm not tipsy, I swear, but the sun of today makes me particulary cheerful and glad.

Around Cortona there are so many Winehouse that I've been spoilted for choice but how couldn't I write about a property with my same surname?

I'm so so honoured to introduce you, a masterpiece wine - me and my friend Valeria adore this wine - (drum roll):

Il BOSCO by Tenimenti Luigi D'Alessandro

( F I R E W O R K S )

What such a wine mate!

100% Syrah grapes selected from Tenimenti Luigi D'Alessandro best areas in their high-density planted hillside vineyards, 20 days of alcoholic fermentation and then straight into new oak barriques (18-20 months) starting with a malolactic fermentation (I'm the president of "malolactic fermentation fans club").

The last I've been tasted was a 2004 and I really enjoyed it, lovable wine.

Dark inky red-purple colour, sweetness intensity and powerful, mature plums, blackberries, blueberries, sugar cherry and with some really balanced tannins.

The natural complexity of this wine will get you at the first sip, this is a really UNFORGETABLE red wine.

All my compliments to D'Alessandro Family from Cortona and I hope to have the possibility to go to visit them asap.

I'm dreaming for my next tasting of "Il Bosco"... in fact... let me booked a couple of bottles immediately :)

See you soon and tks a lot for your patience and affection,

hug&smile,

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com