Tidings Magazine

It seems only fitting that the country producing both the greatest quantity and the greatest variety of wine in the world should also host the globe’s largest wine show. Over 4,000 wineries and 100,000 wine lovers gathered in the literary home of Romeo and Juliet for an event that is frequently billed as “another love story in Verona.”

Primarily a showcase for Italian producers, the five-day April extravaganza could be expanded to last a whole month and it still would not be enough time for the avid wine geek to experience the multiplicity of varietals and wine styles this regionally diverse country has to offer.

What follows are my picks from the show. There were so many good wines to devour that I’ve decided to split them into two columns. Most of the wines in this issue are available in Canada (the vintage indicated may not have arrived just yet) while others, to be published in the September issue, are not currently available (although the producer may have other wines available). They are so darn good we have to tell you about them. In either case, any wine lover’s palate would be rewarded by making the effort to seek out these extraordinary offerings.

Wines You’d Be Crazy Not To Try (already available in Canada):

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2001, Tuscany ($62)

Great nose! This is the total package ... massive and intense with rich dark berries, spice and vanilla. Firmly tannic with tremendous depth. Just a baby, but has the potential to develop into something even more amazing than it is now. Perhaps her finest Brunello ever.

Azienda Agricola Montevetrano Montevetrano Colli di Salerno IGT 2004, Campania ($110)

Clearly deserving of its status as one of the finest wine estates in the world, Silvia Imparato is passionate not only about producing a stellar wine but sharing it with wine lovers around the world. A rich, vigorous and complex blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Aglianico. Decant for twenty-four hours before indulging.

Ceuso Custera IGT 2003, Sicily ($48)

Simply a pleasure. A 50/30/20 blend of Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvigno and Merlot from one of Sicily’s first garagiste wineries. Aromatically perfumy with lush dark fruit caressing the palate with layers of penetrating flavours. A complete, complex and intriguing wine.