Review

Restaurant Wine Issue #137 & #138 4 Stars Spezieri 2009 - 4 stars, Restaurant Wine ------------------------------------------ Supple in texture, full bodied, and well balanced, this is a moderately intense blend, with light tannin and a long finish, tasting of cherry jam, herbs, honey, and plum. ------------------------------------------ Wine Advocate April 27, 2010 88 Points Spezieri 2009 - 88 Points, Wine Advocate ------------------------------------------ ...The 2009 Spezieri is a fresh, vinous offering laced with attractive red fruits...delicious, soft, entry-level wine... Col d'Orcia, one of Montalcino's historic properties, is located in Sant'Angelo in Colle in the southern part of the appellation. ------------------------------------------ Wine Advocate August 2009 88 Points Spezieri 2008 - 88 Points, Wine Advocate ------------------------------------------ The 2008 Spezieri is a delicious, harmonious red from Col d’Orcia, one of Montalcino’s top producers. A blend of 40% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 20% Ciliegiolo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine offers excellent definition and a long, polished close. Sweet cherries, tobacco and earthiness linger on the finish. This is a terrific value in Tuscan red. Listed among "Italy’s Finest Wine Values.” ------------------------------------------ Restaurant Wine January 2008 4 Stars Spezieri 2006 - 4 Stars, Restaurant Wine ------------------------------------------ Full-bodied, round, and ripely flavored; this wine is moderately rich and lightly oaky on the finish, tasting of cherry, plum, tea, and red currant. Long, smooth finish. Excellent value. ------------------------------------------ Restaurant Wine November 2007 4 Stars - Excellent ------------------------------------------ Full bodied, round and ripely flavored; this wine is moderately rich and lightly oaky on the finish, tasting of cherry, plum, tea, and red currant. Long, smooth aftertaste. Excellent value. ------------------------------------------ Colorado Wine News October-December 2007 ------------------------------------------ Soft aromas of sweet dark fruit: cherry, raspberry, and currant plus a hint of strawberry repeat as fresh, bright, somewhat tart flavors plus firm, fine, dry tannin before a medium-broad, medium-long finish. Well put together. ------------------------------------------

Wine maker notes

To preserve the depth of aroma and flavor in these three grape varieties, maceration lasts 8-10 days under strictly controlled temperatures. Malolactic fermentation takes place immediately afterward, followed by early bottling to capture optimum freshness.

Technical notes

13% abv

Food pairing

Enjoy with grilled meats, hearty stews and tomato-based dishes.