Monday, June 23, 2008

Report from ... Made in Italy - a series of events (4 of 4) – June 12, 2008

See previous write-ups: part 1part 2part 3

Once again the Italians took over a Toronto locale, and once again it was in the Yorkville district. This time it was Studio Snaidero at 33 Hazelton Avenue, and from what I gathered a kitchen decorating and appliance store: all from Italy, as were all the wines – 4 in total again.

So far, it has been the trend on these evenings to have one wine that is a true standout amongst all the others, but this time all four seemed to have something to offer wine lovers.

Sparkling wine was represented by Val d’Oca Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 2007 ($16.80 - #340570) light and fruity, easy drinking with apple and lemon drop flavours.

Whites winos could enjoy the Masi 2007 Masianico ($14.95 - #620773) with its pleasant nose loaded with tropical fruit like pineapple and kiwi; on the palate you get a full bodied wine with bruised fruit nuances and pineapple core flavours.

There were also two reds to choose from. The lighter side of red was represented by Cantina Parroco 2006 San Michele Langhe Nebbiolo ($18.50 – Brunello Imports), plum and black fruit with a touch of herbs and spice – very nice, a wine to drink now or wait 2-3 years for. The heavier red came from Serego Alighieri 2005 Poleri del Bello Ovile ($18.95 - #73106) – this was my personal favourite of the evening. It’s a new wine at the LCBO, added May 2008. Made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo this Tuscan red blew me away with its big fruit, plums cherries and good structure; smooth tannins in the mouth, yet with still a few years to go, if you wanted to lie it down.

These were the best set of wines the Italians brought out, over the span of these 4 events; too bad this was (supposedly) the last of these tastings, I think they were finally hitting their stride with these offerings.

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