Wine Tasting - Casisano-Colombaio Rosso di Montalcino 2008

 Hello my friend 'o vino!

Mmm... I can still taste this Sangiovese wine from "The Wines of Tuscany" class which we attended on Sunday, April 17th.  This is one of the bottles we purchased of the nine sampled.

Point Score A:  92

Point Score B:  91
Wine Enthusiast Magazine:  88

2008 Casisano-Colombaio Rosso di Montalcino

Appellation:  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

Grape Varietal(s):  Sangiovese
Other:  DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

Retail Price:  $16.99

Vintage:  2008

Producer:  Fattoria Casisano Colombaio

Alcohol:  13.5%
Calories:  94 per 4-ounce

Tasting sheets as follows.

Review A

Review B

A couple of items of note particular to this one.  First, a "Rosso" is a denigrated and reclassified "Brunello".  Instead of receiving authorization to label it "Brunello" and dictate $50 or so per bottle, it receives the "Rosso" classification making it much more affordable.  From a consumer's standpoint, Tiffany and I are getting an "almost Brunello" at a bargain basement price point!

The label reads as follows:

"2008 Red Wine - Product of Italy.  Estate bottled by Fattoria Casisano Colombaio."

No, not much of a backside label huh?  But, it's my humble opinion that the vintner was perhaps wise enough to understand that the accolades of taste speak for itself.  Why attempt to elaborate perfection by offering useless backside labeling?  I dunno... It's just a hunch.

This particular wine can probably be kept for somewhere between 5 to 6-years.  Over time it simply enhances within the confines of the glass bottle.  After 5 to 6-years the wine begins a slow degradation process.  Somewhere between now and 6-years is the "peak" of the wine's perfection.  Optimal taste and enjoyment to the palate.

DOCG Rooster Emblem

What does DOC mean?  Under the Italian agency controlling the production of wines, it's a statement of guarantee.  DOC is the 2nd highest rating with DOCG being the highest.  Besides the words, a black rooster emblem on the label (seal) means DOCG.  DOC and DOCG simply mean that a vintner's product has certified credentials.  There are rules and policies applying to wines that carry the DOC and DOCG certification.  This certification means a higher price point and profit for it's vintner.  For a standard run-of-the-mill Italian red table wine, the vintner may simply elect to forgo DOC and DOCG application and let the market price his/her wine. 

Hi-dee hi-dee toast-a-Tuscan-wine-tonight-ho my friends.