Oswaldo Costa
Oswaldo Costa
A neighbor who is an italophile sommelier and very good cook threw a dinner as an excuse to open a pair of aranciones he had been keeping in store for the appropriately appreciative. I brought the Occhipinti and he provided the other two reds and the dessert moscato.
2004 Gravner Amphora Ribolla Gialla 12.5%
Nose is pretty closed, even after vigorous swirling in the decanter. Over time, faint hints of orange peel, almonds, jasmine tea and malt develop. Fine acidity, appealing texture, pleasant tannins, but the sweetness has a caramel tinge. Not the best moment in its evolution; come back in ten years.
2004 Radikon Jakot 13.5%
In complete contrast, this Tokaj was explosively aromatic, completely delightful. Lavender, straw, honey, petrol, flint. Luscious mouth feel, immensely appealing. Spectacular, and my favorite orange experience to date, on a par with a Movia Lunar from last year.
2004 Oxenheiter Steinhauserhof Pinot Nero Reserva Sudtirol-Alto Adige 13.5%
Fascinatingly different, smells of cherry-filled bonbons, anis and iodine. Balanced, quite dry. Does not evolve well in the glass, becoming thin and displeasing towards the end of the dinner. At least it has personality and is not trying to be French or modern.
2007 Ducetius Nero dAvola-Syrah Sicilia 13.5%
This said, oddly enough, imbottigliato per Enoteca Emlys Wine. Attractive nose of cherry, eucalyptus and resin. Good balance, a bit of a dishrag finish, with some bitterness. No particular enchantment, but honest.
2007 Occhipinti Nero dAvola Siccagno L S0109 13.0%
Nasal cocktail of earth, grass, cherry, musk, iron and mint. Tangy acidity, lovely mouth feel, hard to believe this is from a hot climate. A fine showing and another beauty from the insular muse. Both host and assembled hosts were hugely impressed.
2001 Biava Moscato di Scanzio 15.0%
Curious but attractive mixture of honey, nutmeg, ham and herb infusion. Not too sweet, with good acidity. Well balanced and pleasing. Reminds Marcia of chinato. A nice surprise from a (to me) new appellation.
2004 Gravner Amphora Ribolla Gialla 12.5%
Nose is pretty closed, even after vigorous swirling in the decanter. Over time, faint hints of orange peel, almonds, jasmine tea and malt develop. Fine acidity, appealing texture, pleasant tannins, but the sweetness has a caramel tinge. Not the best moment in its evolution; come back in ten years.
2004 Radikon Jakot 13.5%
In complete contrast, this Tokaj was explosively aromatic, completely delightful. Lavender, straw, honey, petrol, flint. Luscious mouth feel, immensely appealing. Spectacular, and my favorite orange experience to date, on a par with a Movia Lunar from last year.
2004 Oxenheiter Steinhauserhof Pinot Nero Reserva Sudtirol-Alto Adige 13.5%
Fascinatingly different, smells of cherry-filled bonbons, anis and iodine. Balanced, quite dry. Does not evolve well in the glass, becoming thin and displeasing towards the end of the dinner. At least it has personality and is not trying to be French or modern.
2007 Ducetius Nero dAvola-Syrah Sicilia 13.5%
This said, oddly enough, imbottigliato per Enoteca Emlys Wine. Attractive nose of cherry, eucalyptus and resin. Good balance, a bit of a dishrag finish, with some bitterness. No particular enchantment, but honest.
2007 Occhipinti Nero dAvola Siccagno L S0109 13.0%
Nasal cocktail of earth, grass, cherry, musk, iron and mint. Tangy acidity, lovely mouth feel, hard to believe this is from a hot climate. A fine showing and another beauty from the insular muse. Both host and assembled hosts were hugely impressed.
2001 Biava Moscato di Scanzio 15.0%
Curious but attractive mixture of honey, nutmeg, ham and herb infusion. Not too sweet, with good acidity. Well balanced and pleasing. Reminds Marcia of chinato. A nice surprise from a (to me) new appellation.