Collina del Sole Amarone della Valpolicella 2009

Slightly transparent crimson. First nose earthy and has notes of licorice. Second nose dominated by licorice stronger and tar comes out in time. It is slightly fruity in the mouth, good high acidity, raspberry and blackberry aromas are accompanied by blueberry aroma. The leather sensed at the mid-palate is combining with spicy notes and tobacco insignificantly. Tannins are not that strong. This wine with moderate final should be decanted at least one hour before consumed. All in all it is still a nice wine to enjoy, even though you might not feel the expected iron fist in the velvet glove of an Amarone. It can match all kinds of red meat dishes, spicy casseroles and cold cuts. 87/100 Not available in Finland yet.

Ugo Lequio Barbaresco Gallina 2008, Italy (Nebbiolo 100%, Alch 14%)

Light ruby transparent color and get a bit darker into the middle. The first nose has sour cherry, apple, blackberry and a bit vanillin. The nose is very strong, fruity, extroverted. After some time earthy smells and black pepper appear. In the mouth, the tannins are strong, maybe they a bit disturb like giving some burning feeling. Damson aroma dominates first and the high acidity is satisfying. It a a bit dilute. Soon a  bit orange peel and licorice with a touch of leather. The very long final is warm and pleasant. It is elegant like a good quality Pinot Noir but still the tannins are affecting the balance and it is a bit dilute. This medium-bodied wine would be nice to drink alone but also fits very well with light cheeses (not heavy-fatty cheeses as we generally talk about a red here). It can fit grilled beef and pork as well as chicken, cleaning the palate very well. 87/100 Price: 21.90€/75cl/March 2013