I have not been writing much about the wine that I drink for a long while - more than 5 months to be exact, since last November. That does not mean I have not been drinking but I was too lazy to take pictures of the wine after every drinking session. In addition, for the past months my focus for this blog had been on the "Chef" more than the "Sommelier" part as I whipped up dishes for the year-end parties, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day etc.
But a recent comment left by Ju (The Little Teochew) on one of my earlier wine of the week posts reminded me that I have been neglecting the "Sommelier" part of my blog and urged me to keep it active.
Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape varietal in Italy and in Tuscany, it is the only grape variety allowed in the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. And according to wine producer Castello Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino is their "classic" production achieved through 20 over years of research. The wine is aged in Frech oak barrels for two years and then in bottles for another two before being released.
Let this wine breathe for about half an hour before enjoying. Nose of tobacco and berries, the wine has a medium body and smooth on the palate with a long finish.
I enjoyed this wine.
Vintage: 2006
Producer: Castello Banfi
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Designation: Brunello di Montalcino
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Sub-Region: Montalcino
Type: Red Wine
Don't drink and drive...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, Arthur! :D
DeleteBeautiful photos and review. I know little to nothing about wine (but I do enjoy sipping a glass!), so enjoyed your post immensely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lizzy! You do not need to know that much to enjoy wine... just trust your nose and palate.
DeleteAlvin, it's nice to keep the wine cork for your collection...the sommelier's collection reference:)
ReplyDeleteHi Annie! I have lost count of the number of wine corks I have collected over the years... But each one brings a story and memory.. I'm running out of jars and containers to store them but I'm not stopping! :D
DeleteI've resumed my blog-hopping after a mth long absence. Certainly refreshing to be greeted by this lovely post! Nice sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirley! Nice to hear from you again!
DeleteNose of tobacco and berries...huh? Auntie PH is lost :) Don't worry, Alvin, I will revisit my Wine for Dummies Book soon. I was on the chapter about Chardonnay when I had to abandon the book for some other matters. There is a lot to learn!
ReplyDeleteHi Phong Hong! No wine book or review is going to help you truly learn wine... You have to start drinking to appreciate it. :D
DeleteI can relate er not about the wine but re too lazy to take photos :D
ReplyDeleteHaha Anne. At least you can relate to something... :D
DeleteHello Mr Sommelier long time no see ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha... Mr chef overshadowed Mr Sommelier for too long... :D
DeleteHi Alvin,
ReplyDeleteI'm not really a wine person. Like wine but never have as much interest as you. Still prefer the cooking aspect of your blog... Ops!
Zoe
Hi Zoe! I know... many of my readers are here to meet the Chef more than the Sommelier... :D
DeleteWah, 100% Sangiovese sounds like an awesome way to say TGIF! ;) Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Ju! Yes, this is a great bottle of Sangiovese... try it. 3 more days to the next TGIF!
DeleteBro, I am not good in wine, but we took Chianti red wine when we dine in Italy, hehehe..
ReplyDeleteHi A-Chi! Chianti is also from Tuscany. Most importantly, you have to enjoy the wine...
DeleteHi Alvin, great posting. Thanks for the recommendation. I do enjoy red wine...so let's cheers. I drinking wine right now while blog walking. :))
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ahead.
Cheers, Amelia!
DeleteCastello Banfi wines are one of my favourite labels but I don't think I have tried this bottle. Nice pictures by the way!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eiling! Try this if you have the chance!
DeleteGreat post, Alvin :) I prefer medium dry white wine more than the red wine but I heard that red wine is healthier. Is it true?
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! White is actually ideal for out hot climate here... I do enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Gewurztraminer during lunch... what's your favourite?
DeleteI love Brunellos. I'm making a mental note of this one. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Erika! Let me know your tasting note!
DeleteGorgeous pics!
ReplyDeleteTGIF and a good wine certainly go hand in hand!
Totally agree!
DeleteI love your sexy wine shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nami! Sorry for missing your comment...
DeleteDont' drink much red anymore, so hot nowadays, nicely chilled whites are more inviting, but this was one of my fave reds, though I've not tried Castello Banfi. Pity Brunello di Montalcino a pricey wine :( Wow! Just realised I really can't remember the last bottle of red I drank!!
ReplyDeleteHi Denise! Balance your wine intake... Not all food goes well with whites but I agree that whites are ideal for our weather... especially lunch!
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