Italian Pleasures

Robin Lynam reports on the increasingly popularity of Italian reds and of a Tuscan winery making waves in Hong Kong - Tenuta Sette Ponti

The 2005 Sette Ponti Poggio al Lupo is currently on offer at HK$338 per bottle, and has a 91 point rating from Wine Spectator.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante  and Petit Verdot this has the classic Cabernet Sauvignon mint and blackcurrant aromas in abundance, but like the Saia is still too tannic to drink on its own and cries out for food. It certainly needs more time to develop to be enjoyed at its best.

Cabernet Sauvignon again plays a role in the 2007 Sette Ponti Oreno, but this is dominated by Sangiovese, the region’s signature grape which makes up 50% of the blend. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are equally balanced at 25% each, matured in 100% new oak, and although Oreno has a silky Italian soul it is fair to say that this is a wine intended to seduce the Bordeaux drinker. Wine Spectator rates this one highly at 95 points, and Robert Parker gives it 92. Like the others it needs time, and will probably keep improving for at least another decade.

Patience is required, but as well as enjoying those fresh young Italian white wines now,  it is worth laying a few serious reds like these down and giving them some time to develop. They offer another world to explore. - R.L.

For more information please write to wine@hkgolfer.com

 

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Written by Robin Lynam

Click here to see the published article.

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