Al Paradiso di Frassina - the magic of music in the world of wine...

Dear Wine Lovers,

first of all a sincere Happy New Year, we just landed in a sparkling 2011!

Today I don't want to talk only about wine but I absolutely have to tell you a magical story.

I received a book, for Xmas, called "L'Uomo che sussurra alle vigne" ("The man who whispers to the vineyards") and once time again I realized that the world of wine will never cease to amaze me.

This book tells the story of a lawyer from Milano, a wine lover like us, that "one day" decided to change his life, closing the Attorney's Office and moved to Tuscany to spend the rest of his life in contact with nature, between the vineyards, near one of the best grapes in the world, Sangiovese grape, so he moved with family (dog included) at Frassina, on the hills around Montalcino.

Up to here, nothing really rare or unique, could be a story already heard, but this man, Mr. Carlo Cignozzi, isn't only a successful lawyer who has decided to make a radical change, He is a pioneer and I'm going to explain you why...

He has always been a big fan of wine and apparently also a very curious person, who loves experimenting; in fact, some time before moving in Montalcino, he had red on the web that in China some scientists were studying the influence of sound waves on the musical growth of vegetation.

Do you think that this thing really work? (I think he has heard this question several times)

Mr. Carlo Cignozzi, lawyer, wine lover and also musician, decided to give confidence to this experiment and, once planted vines around his house, he has installed a set of audio speakers and began "to water" the vineyards with Mozart's music for 24 hours a day.

Isn't that crazy? Oh, yes it is, you can be sure!

By Brunello purists, this operation was seen like as a pure marketing strategy until one day, the University of Florence, in the person of Professor Mancuso, showed an interest in wanting to deepen this experiment.

Is it true that the music could have a positive influence on plant growth?

to avoid falling into a trap, the university researchers, along with Mr. Cignozzi and Professor Mancuso, decided to plant two cuttings of Sangiovese grapes from the same family, on two small portions of the same soil and with the same exposure to the sun; the only difference is that one of these grapes was "watered" with music for 24 hours a day and the other was not.

the results?

sit down.

The Sangiovese vineyard "whith the music" is growing three times faster than the other "without music", and pay attention please, the first one has produced 400% more fruit than the other.

Studies have shown that sound frequencies, in this case of the classical music of Mozart, not only allow to have grapes helthy and numerous, but also keeps away predators, parasites and insects.

Why Classical? because classical music of masters like Mozart or Bach, including the famous "Fibonacci sequence", also present in nature with many examples (see Fibonacci series in nature on Wiki).

Today Mr. Cignozzi is producing one of the best Brunello di Montalcino in the world and a couple of years ago, "Mr. Bose" in person (world-leader in audio speakers) decided to finance the project of Mr. Cignozzi installing 50 of their best "outdoor speakers" among the vineyards of Paradiso estate, today called: "Il Paradiso di Frassina".

Honestly, I have not tasted the wines produced by Mr. Cignozzi but I can't wait to do that!

At the moment, at "Paradiso di Frassina" are produced three types of red wines led by "Brunello di Montalcino Mozart Selection".

Now, We have just to visit the "Paradiso Estate" and taste this famous wine in the company of music that, as in the real paradise, there will certainly be!

Do not allow anyone to stop our dreams...

Angelo D'Alessandro

thedeliciousworld@gmail.com

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