Gualdo del Re
Located just four miles from the Etruscan Coast facing the island of Elba, Gualdo Del Re offers a fascinating glimpse of Italian living. Gualdo is an antique word for woods: Gualdo Del Re means the Woods of the king. Nico and Teresa Rossi have created a "piccolo paradiso", a small paradise, in this lovely spot complete with delicious wines, a fine restaurant and a bed and breakfast set amidst pine woods and olive grows. This area of Tuscany has a fabulous microclimate for making great wines due to the tempering influence of sea breezes. www.GualdodelRe.it
2005 Eliseo Rosato Val di Cornia
Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks. The wine matures in the tank
for 5 months and then spends an additional 2 months in the bottle before its release to the public. This wine should be served at 14 degrees Celsius.
Score: 85. "Definitely a cheerful rosé with a brilliant ruby color and subtle amber reflections, this easy-to-drink wine delivers cranberries, rose petal, white chocolate and sweet raspberry. It's simplistic but refreshing and tart in the mouth." - ML
2005 Eliseo Rosso Val di Cornia
Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation in steel. The wine matures in barrels for 12 months and then spends an additional 3 months in the bottle before its release to the public. This wine should be served at 18 degrees Celsius.
Score: 86. "Balanced and silky, with blackberry and coffee character. Medium- to fullbodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Best after 2007. 2,000 cases made." - JS
Score: 88. "The estate’s 2004 Eliseo (80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo) is plump and accessible, with pretty notes of ripe fruit and toasted oak. It is a great value for every day drinking and will offer much pleasure over the next two to three years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2009." - AG
Score: 87. "Here's another powerful red (80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo) with aromas of moist tobacco, leather, blackberry, dusty minerality and a thick, extracted mouthfeel. It scores well in texture and persistency and would pair wonderfully with grilled meat." - ML
2002 Val di Cornia Suverto Sangiovese
Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
100% Sangiovese Grosso. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation on 225 litre barrels. The wine matures in the barrel for 16-18 months and then spends an additional 18 months in the bottle before its release to the public. This wine should be served at 20 degrees Celsius.
Score: 87. "Just right now with plum, cherry and cedar character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Sangiovese. Drink now. 800 cases made." - JS
Score: 90. "The 2001 Gualdo del Re (100% Sangiovese aged in barrique) is packed with expressive aromatics and varietal notes of cherries, tobacco and earthiness yet it also captures the warmth of Suvereto in its plump concentrated personality, offering excellent length and fine overall balance. The higher acidity of Sangiovese should allow it to age gracefully to age 15 or so. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016." - AG
2003 I'Rennero Merlot
Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
100% Merlot. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation on 225 litre barrels. The wine matures in the barrel for 15 months and then spends an additional 21 months in the bottle before its release to the public. This wine should be served at 20 degrees Celsius.
Score: 90. "Plum, dark chocolate and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Wonderful balance. Best after 2007. 380 cases made." - JS
Score: 91. "Gualdo del Re’s 2003 Il Rennero (100% Merlot aged in barrique) performed very well when tasted blind alongside some of the region's more famous bottlings. A deep, dark ruby, it presents a compelling mix of blueberry jam, cassis, chocolate and sweet toasted oak, with an engaging, plump personality, notable length on the palate and outstanding freshness considering the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2013." - AG
Score: 90. "The toasted tones are deep and penetrating thanks to 15 months of oak aging and are backed by blueberry, coffee and vanilla. There is attractive dimension to this wine shaped by lavish exotic spice, firm tannins, chewy sweetness and vibrant fruit flavors: An excellent red meat Merlot." - ML
I'Rennero Merlot received "I Tre Bicchieri" in the October 2007 edition.
2002 Valentina Val di Cornia Vermentino
Winemaking, Vineyards & Growing Season:
100% Vermentino. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks. The wine matures in the tank for 6 months and then spends an additional 3 months in the bottle before its release to the public. This wine should be served at 12 degrees Celsius.