Another Interesting Italian Wine
The wines of Velenosi first came to my attention this spring when Anne Hay (Domaine Select Wine Estates) brought Andrea Bianco (Velenosi) to MacArthur Beverages for a tasting. You may read my impressions of those wines here. I had tasted the 2008 vintage of Il Brecciarolo so was surprised to find the an older selection from the strong 2006 vintage. Both Jenn and I rather liked this wine. I would be tempted to cellar this several more years but it may be drunk now. Perhaps pair it with some meat. This wine is available at MacArthur Beverages.
2006 Azienda Vitivinicola Velenosi, Il Brecciarolo, Rosso Piceno Superiore – $15
Imported by Domaine Select Wine Estates. This wine is a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese sourced from vines grown on mostly clay soils at 200-300 meters. The fruit was fermented in stainless steel before aging 12-18 months in 2nd and 3rd use barriques. Alcohol 13.5%. The nose is light and subtle with aromas of wood and roast. In the mouth the wine gently introduces itself with soft, dusty flavors of blue and red berries. The flavors are a little tart with good acidity. Black tea and licorice follow supported underneath by a tannic structure. With air it reveals a bit of bottle age and ripening black fruit along with the structure which underpins the entire wine. *** Now-2021.
