It was so great to head to Marché Bonsecours in old Montreal December 1st, 2021 as the event A Tasting of Wines from Italy was back and in person. The event marked its 25th anniversary and was a tribute to Italian producers that have been involved since the first edition of the event in 1996.
To highlight this occasion, iconic wines were presented from these 13 Italian wineries whose producers participated live through videoconference:
· Banfi
· Bersano
· Fantini Vini
· Masi
· Nonino
· Ruffino
· San Felice
· Velenosi
· Zonin1821
The tasting started with Nonino's L'Aperitivo Botanical Drink, an herb liqueur. With 21% alcohol, it started the tasting event with a kick! Available at the SAQ (code 14515283) at $42.
The first wine we tasted was the Grignolino D'Asti DOC Valdelsalto 2020 from Bersano in the Piedmont region. A lovely wine on the nose with an orangey colour in the glass. Very smooth. Available at the SAQ (code 14872424) at $21.95.
We then moved to the Bosan Ripasso Valpolicella DOC Superiore 2017 from Gerardo Cesari in the Veneto region. A blend of 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella. With aromas of leather. Available at the SAQ (code 11355886) at $32.
Our next wine was the Amira Nero D'Avola Principi di Butera DOC 2018 from Sicily from producer Zonin1821.
The fourth wine we tasted was the Il Brecciarolo Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC 2018 from Velenosi in the region of The Marches. A great blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano with lovely fruity aromas. Available at the SAQ (code 10542647) at $14.95.
We then switched to five Chianti Classico. The first was the Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 from Domini Castellare di Castellina with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. Available at the SAQ (code 14426379) at $26.80.
Our second Chianti was the Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 from Badia a Coltibuono with 85% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Ciliegiolo and 5% Colorino. Available at the SAQ (code 10985931) at $27.30.
Our next Chianti was the Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2018 from San Felice, 100% Sangiovese. Available at the SAQ (code 703363) at $27.35.
We then moved to the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG Famiglia Zingarelli 2018 from Rocca delle Macie with 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet and 5% Merlot. Available at the SAQ (code 10324543) at $25.25.
Our fifth and final Chianti was the Riserva Ducale Oro 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Ruffino with 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. This was my favourite Chianti Classico of this wine tasting event. Available at the SAQ (code 11517380) at $47.25.
After the five Chianti Classico, we were treated to a Brunello. We tasted Castello Banfi's signature wine, the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016. The recommendation is to let this wine age at least 5 years. Available at the SAQ (code 907659) at $28.95.
Our next wine was the Farnese Edizione Cinque Autoctoni 2018 from Fantini Vini. An original blend of five southern Italian grape varieties, including 30% Sangiovese and 30% Primitivo. The grapes come from both Puglia and the Abruzzi regions. Unique and worth trying - an amazing wine! It was my favourite wine of the event. Available at the SAQ (code 11096917) at $38.
Our final wine was the classic Amarone Classico della Valpolicella DOCG 2016 from Masi in the Veneto region. A blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. Available at the SAQ (code 317057) at $43.50.
Do you have a favourite wine from Italy?
