The Cellar: The Making of a World Class Wine
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: The Making of a World Class Wine
The Tenuta Luce delle Vite Estate is located southwest of the Tuscan hillside village of Montalcino; home of the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. The Estate’s vineyards have roughly 200 acres under vine and sit at elevations of 1.300 to 1.500 feet, the highest vineyard sites in Montalcino. Sustainable agriculture honors the unique slate and rocky limestone soils, yielding elegant Sangiovese and round, supple Merlot. While some of the vineyards date back to 1977, the majority were planted at the beginning of 1997. From these vines four great wines are produced; a small amount of Brunello, two Sangiovese/Merlot blends and a Grappa made from the skins of the leftover Sangiovese and Merlot grapes.
I featured their entre-level blend ‘Lucente’ approximately two years ago. This time around I got my hands on their top wine; the 2011 ‘Luce’; a single vineyard red blend that was awarded 95 points from Wine Spectator who also declared it the 47th best wine released in 2014. At $90ish per bottle this wine is a ‘special occasion wine’ for my budget (gift, anniversary, etc.), but one that deserves its heavy price tag. This wine is truly remarkable.
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Upon opening, the wine brims of a complex array of rich and dark black fruits with hints of earth and sweet vanilla. On the initial taste the wine is mouth-puckering dry with powerful tannins. Hints of what is to come with aeration lurk in the background, those being succulent dark berries, juicy red cherries, mint and tasty vanilla coated oak. After a half-hour in the glass the tannins begins to soften and the wine starts to open up. The bombastic fruit mellows while complex savory notes emerge. Overall this wine is powerful and complex - exactly what you would expect for ninety bucks!
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
Rhode Island’s Best Wineries
Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport
This is the Rhode Island festival that all others are judged against. Newport Mansions Wine and Food is in its ninth year of bringing together sublime food talent in a gorgeous Newport setting. This year is no different as the main headliners are Martha Stewart and Sara Moulton. They don't stop there though...imagine hundreds of wines to be sampled on the lawn of Marble House, tasty treats from lots of local restaurants, and appearances by local chefs like Champe Speidel preparing and serving their creations. You've got a bona fide classic! Tickets starts at $135. www.newportmansions.org
Newport Vineyards, Middletown
This vineyard was originally planted in 1977 with the goal of preserving the coastal land. Captain Richard Alexander planted 10 acres of French-American grapes in 1977 with the help of his family, friends, and neighbors. In 1988, in partnership with the Nunes family, Captain Alexander established his first winery. In 2002, the land was placed into perpetual preservation through a partnership between the Nunes Family, the Aquidneck Land Trust, and the State of Rhode Island.
Tours and tastings occur Sunday – Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. and hourly on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $12 per person for 5 samples; $15 per person for 5 samples plus signature glass. 909 East Main Rd. 848-5161,www.newportvineyards.com
Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth
Located along the beautiful Sakonnet River, Greenvale Vineyards has been in the family since 1863 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Cortlandt Parker, the farm’s fourth generation, and his wife Nancy started to grow grapes here as a hobby in the 1960’s. In the early 80’s, the Parkers decided to embark on the development of a commercial vineyard. The focus is on conservation of open space, preservation of historic buildings and the education of its visitors. Tastings occur daily and cost $12 for 7 varietals; tours are daily at 2 p.m. and are *$15 per person for the tour and tasting. 582 Wapping Rd. 847-3777, www.greenvale.com
Langworthy Farm Winery, Westerly
Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical home site of Governor Samuel Ward. Owners Joe and Gail Sharry first planted vinifera grape vines in 2002 and produced the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel that same year. They now produce more than a dozen varietals, including 7 reds. Alongside the vineyard is a Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast that the Sharrys operate in season. Meals, of course, are always paired with house wines.
Tastings run daily from July 4 through Labor Day and are $7 per person for 5 wines. 308 Shore Rd. 322-7791, www.langworthyfarm.com
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton
A popular and iconic Rhode Island vineyard, Sakonnet was founded in 1975 and for over 30 years has pioneered the production of fine wines in New England. Several vinifera varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and the unique hybrid Vidal Blanc are grown, and Sakonnet also produces an award-winning Sparkling wine. This is Rhode Island’s largest vineyard, producing upwards of 30,000 cases annually.
Tours and tastings occur daily between noon and 3 and are $10. There is also a café and outdoor seating. 162 West Main Rd. 635-8486, www.sakonnetwine.com
