Delicately floral and finessed, the 2020 Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée slowly blossoms in the glass. Coaxing adds volume and depth as hints of lemon oil and white smoke give way to flowery underbrush and sweet spice. This washes across the palate with pure elegance, silky and refined, with an attractive sweetness and juicy acidity that perfectly contrasts its mineral-tinged orchard fruits. Pretty inner florals mingle with a twang of lime and liquid rock as the 2020 finishes remarkably long and perfumed; what a beauty. This vintage of Foscarino Grande Cuvée was matured all in thirty-five-hectoliter casks.

The 2021 Rosato Etna Tefra is remarkably pretty, with sweet smoke and melon complemented by hints of crushed almond and candied citrus. While silky in feel, a burst of brilliant acidity and salty mineral tones add a reverberation of tension, as orchard fruits and inner florals settle in toward the close. There’s a richness that lasts through the finale, seldom found in a Rosato, as the Tefra tapers off with a saline flourish that keeps the mouth watering for more. This is the magic of Nerello Mascalese Rosato.

The 2019 vintage is made from 90% Sangiovese blended with 10% Colorino, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo.  It was aged for 12 months in large (528-660 gal) French and Austrian oak casks, and three months in bottle.  The color is ruby.  Aromas are red cherry and strawberry layered with savory spices and vanilla.  It is light bodied and lively with tangy acidity and ripe, grainy tannins.  There is a touch of pleasant bitterness in the finish, which clears the palate.  The current generation of the Stucchi Prinetti family, Emanuela, Paolo and Roberto are running the winery which was created in 1846 and became commercial in 1957.  Roberto is the winemaker with consultant Maurizio Castelli.  Their goal is a natural expression of Sangiovese with lightness and balance, but also food friendly and readily enjoyable.

TOP 50 WINES OF 2022 #17

Vietti has been in the village of Castiglione Falletto since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Over time, they have gradually selected the best vineyards to grow Nebbiolo and showcase them in individually, showing the diversity of this grape and their terroir. This is a great entry into the world of Vietti with their Barolo. It has everything you want from this variety. Rose petal and cherries waft up from the glass with a luscious palate of seamlessly interwoven tannins adding complexity and layers to the wine. It's balanced and delicious, …. this everything we look for in great Barolo, while rose petal and cherry notes surprise and delight the palate with every sip. Priced at just over $50, this is a steal.

Savory and complex nose with a meaty, earthy undertone to the orange rind, iron, baking spices, leather and ripe plums. Juicy and firm on the palate with a medium to full body and abundant, mealy tannins. Long and caressing finish. Drink or hold.

Coming from a cru that lies in close proximity to the Tanaro river and can ripen a bit earlier, the 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie offers an attractive and supple bouquet of dried strawberries, herbes de Provence, dusty earth, and fennel. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has fine tannins, an elegant feel, and a clean finish. It is already showing well and will have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 10-12 years.