Acclaim

“Fully saturated ruby-red. Expansive, highly perfumed scents of raspberry, cherry-cola, sweet pipe tobacco and potpourri, lifted by bright spice and mineral notes. Palate-staining flavors of red cherry, grilled herbs and exotic spices are complemented by delicate smoky minerality. Finishes extremely suave, with lingering sweetness and outstanding length. I don’t think I have had too many young Terre Brune vintages better than this one. Simply put, when it comes to red wines this is one of Italy’s two or three best social cooperatives. In fact, there aren’t even many familyrun estates anywhere in the country that make two reds with the stature of Santadi’s Rocca Rubia and Terre Brune Carignano bottlings. That’s no small feat, given the fact that this coop oversees more than 600 hectares of vines and produces roughly 1.7 million bottles of wine each year. One of the secrets to quality here is that the coop’s members own some of the best, oldest Carignano vineyards planted on the sandy soils of the Sulcis, where this variety is elevated to another quality level, far removed from bland examples long associated with other Mediterranean countries.” — Ian D’Agata, VInous, Jan. 2016

“Made with very old, ungrafted vines, this intense wine opens with aromas of toast, leather, espresso, ripe blackberry, spice and tobacco. The concentrated palate delivers ripe black cherry, dried plum, clove, leather and licorice alongside solid tannins and the warmth of alcohol.” — Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2016

“Good medium-dark red. Primary aromas of blueberry, graphite and cherry cola. Smooth, ripe and expansive on the palate, offering precise dark fruit and botanical herb flavors, with nicely integrated acidity providing lift and cut. The fresh, vinous finish offers early accessibility. Although this wine has the stuffing to last a few years in a good cellar, why defer gratification? Simply put, when it comes to red wines this is one of Italy’s two or three best social cooperatives. In fact, there aren’t even many familyrun estates anywhere in the country that make two reds with the stature of Santadi’s Rocca Rubia and Terre Brune Carignano bottlings. That’s no small feat, given the fact that this coop oversees more than 600 hectares of vines and produces roughly 1.7 million bottles of wine each year. One of the secrets to quality here is that the coop’s members own some of the best, oldest Carignano vineyards planted on the sandy soils of the Sulcis, where this variety is elevated to another quality level, far removed from bland examples long associated with other Mediterranean countries.” — Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Jan. 2016

“Ironically, I liked the 2014 Vermentino di Gallura better than the 2013 edition of this same wine despite the fact the latter hails from what is widely regarded as a superior vintage. This wine delivers two-pronged intensity with a sweet floral side that is successfully offset against a zesty citrus fruit side. The wine offers a united front with exotic fruit, blanched almond, pine nut and fresh basil. The palate is kept refreshed thanks to the wine’s crisp acidity. Jankara was founded in 2006 by Renato and Angela Spanu. They purchased eight hectares of land and planted a good part to Vermentino vineyards. Chef Angelo Elia (of the Casa D’Angelo Restaurants in South Florida) and his wife Denise later became business partners.” — Monica Larner, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Peloro is a blend of two white grapes that are popular in Sicily: Grillo and Caricante (spelled with one “r” in the case of this winery). The wine is fresh and snappy with crisp lines and sharp focus. This pretty white wine from the steep vineyards of northern Sicily would make a great companion to fish baked in a crust of sea salt. Distant tones of mineral, dried mint and chopped caper appear on the finish. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“Rich, fragrant and structured, this generous wine opens with alluring scents of crushed violet, plum cake and exotic spice. The luscious, enveloping palate doles out ripe blackberry, black cherry compote, raisin, licorice and tobacco supported by round, velvety tannins. Drink 2016–2021.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Dec. 1, 2015

“A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, the 2013 Peloro is very characteristic of the two grapes used in the blend. The Nerello Mascalese side offers power and elegance with tighter aromas and more pointed tannins. The Nocera grape, on the other hand, shows fleshy ripeness and dark concentration. As a blend, the wine reveals dark berry aromas with black olive and Mediterranean herb. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“Le Casematte’s 2013 Faro represents a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nocera and Nero d’Avola from the far north of Sicily overlooking the Straights of Messina. The bouquet shows the rustic aromas that are often associated with these grapes. You get wild berry, black currant, olive and wet earth. This expression delivers those aromas with an elegant sense of intensity that leaves its mark without feeling pungent or too sharp. The careful balance achieved here is the wine’s strongest suit. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Barbera d’Alba Vignota is soft, supple and tasty. Hints of leather, sage, tobacco and cedar give the 2014 a bit more of a savory edge than is the norm, but then again, this is 2014 we are talking about. Here, too, Conterno-Fantino has put out a solid wine in a tough year.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Dolcetto d’Alba Bricco Bastia is bright, focused and energetic, with plenty of varietal character expressed in the midweight, acid-driven style of the year. A host of lavender, sage, mint and licorice notes add nuance throughout. This is about as good as it gets in 2014 Dolcetto.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015