On the Road with the Grape Guy

On the Road with the Grape Guy is a on-going feature that follows me from event to event ... I post my thoughts, feelings and reviews of what happened and what I tasted ... basically it is here that I review the events I attend and the things that thrilled me.

2025 Tre Bicchieri Toronto Tasting

10 Jul 2025

TB Tre Bicchieri

(May 2025) ... Tre Bicchieri seemed smaller this year than in past outings, which made it easier to try more, or most of the wines ... so let's get right to it. There were some real show stoppers here, and there were some tasty little treats ... and bubbles, plenty of happy bubbles. These are the wines that impressed me enough to write about them and tell you about.

Andreola
NV Valdobbiadene Rive di Santo Stefano Extra Dry Dirupo Etiche (*** ½)     

2024 Valdobbiadene Brut Dirupo 
Some may find $25 for a Prosecco a little much, but when the quality is there, you drink it like a sparkling, not in a memosa. This one is driven by pear and peach with lovely acidity on the finish. This rocks your tastebuds - take it out for a spin.  (****)

2024 Valdobbiadene Rive di Refrontolo Brut Col del Forno (*** ½+)


Bersano    
2021 Nizza Cremosina TB2 Bersano Nizza
Ripe, rich and concentrated with plenty of dark fruit at it's core. Round, full and spicy finish.  (****+)

2022 Barbera d'Asti Superiore Costalunga
Fruity and easy drinking: cherry, raspberry that's ripe and ready - still one of the best values on the LCBO shelves.  (****)

2024 Gavi del Comune di Gavi Mirage (***½)


Casale del Giglio    
2022 Matidia Cesanese (*** ½+)
2023 Anthium Bellone (*** ½)


Francesco Tornatore
2021 Etna Rosso (*** ½+)
2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Pietrarizzo (*** ½+)
2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Pietrarizzo (*** ½)


Il Borro
2020 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese V. Polissena (*** ½+)
2022 Pian di Nova 2022 (*** ½+)


Maria Caterina Dei
2018 Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (*** ½+)
2020 Nobile di Montepulciano (*** ½+)    
2023 Rosso di Montepulciano (*** ½)


TB SondraiaMarilisa Allegrini
2020 Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia - Poggio al Tesoro
This is shockingly good: super spicy yet fruit driven with dark cherry and raspberry as an opener and mocha, chocolate joining in on the mid-palate to the finish. Quite simple, gorgeous.  (**** ½)


Menhir Marangelli
2023 Quota 29 Primitivo (*** ½)


Ottella    
2021 Lugana Molceo Riserva (*** ½+)

2023 Lugana Le Creete 
Creamy texture but with notes of pineapple and hints of pear. There is a hint of a bitterish finish, which could be described as a watermelon rind - but it adds to the depth of flavour and enjoyability.  (****)

2024 Lugana (*** ½)


Sorelle Bronca    
Valdobbiadene Brut L'Est (*** ½+)    

Valdobbiadene Extra Dry L'Ovest (*** ½)

2023 Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 
Minerality with acidity and pleasantly fruity. Nice!  (****)


Torre a Cona    
2019 Chianti Colli Fiorentini Molino degli Innocenti Riserva (*** ½+)


Vinicola Arno
2020 Nizza Leone Riserva
Smooth, silky with a nice mix of both black and red cherry with a licorice outer rim. Bold, brilliant, lively with a nice medium-length finish.  (****)

2021 Barbera d'Asti Superiore Maria Augusta  TB1 Arno Maria
Dark and brooding fruit with plenty of spices. Black cherry and mocha play prominent roles; and then there's the LONG finish. Beauty!  (****+)

2023 Barbera d'Asti Desolina (*** ½)

 

 

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