Two Classy Italians

2007 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve

Available at The Wine Club Santa Clara (San Jose) for $109.99

This 100% Sangiovese from the Flacianello della Pieve vineyard has beautiful floral nose coupled with a sweet bright cherry with sage, dried herbs. In the mouth a more powerful black cherry takes charge, along with mocha elements and the dark, fruity elements black pepper and a touch of olive and grilled bread. This is very complex and exiting wine that drinks quite well now: the bright cherry notes giving it a freshness and enough lift and lightness to drink today or cellar for twenty years.

2004 Ciacci Piccolmini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino

Available at The Wine Club Santa Clara (San Jose) for $59.99

This is fabulous. Let’s get that out of the way right now. Based on the reviews, I’m assuming this wine has developed tremendously in the bottle over the last two or three years. Tanzer gave this 92 points, and it is much better than that today.  Of course, this is 100% Sangiovese (they call it Sangiovese Grosso in Montalcino.) This is wonderfully deeply fruited with dark cooked cherry, fresh Italian plums and a touch of raspberry and blackberry. The palate is broad and deep, with fresh and dried fruits, and the brooding concentration gives this Brunello uncommon length, power, and persistence. There is a mocha element with subtle dried herbs and smokiness. Bravo. This is as good of a Brunello as I have ever tasted. I’d rarely think in terms of points, but this is a solid 96 pointer to me.

-Posted by Dean Alexander, Santa Clara (San Jose) Store Manager