Synopsis, Our Opinion: An eccentric red wine that tickled our fancy.
Producer/Winery: Azienda Agricola La Viarte; Udine, Italy.
Grape Variety: Tazzelenghe.
Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Colli Orientali; Friuli, Italy.
Vintage: 2010
Price: $26.00 (with a 10% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Eggplant Parmesan.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Opaque, dark purple/garnet color with a purple rim. Ripe cherry, current, wet wood, fresh bailed hay and licorice aromas. Slightly rustic, dry, concentrated and lusty mouthfeel, medium body (but the wine appeared thin) and a powerful 150-grit texture. Lots of dark fruit, spiciness and distinct burnt flavors. Filled to the brim with racy acidity, lots of unusual firm tannins that lacked the expected grip The finish was strong and fruity with a slightly bitter dark chocolate ending. Although the eggplant takes on a “meaty” character it probably wasn’t the best pairing for this wine. It was a very lively and unique red Italian wine with atypical characteristics. Very hearty and robust on the palate and with the concentrated fruit taste and tenacious tannins it had a real appeal. An eccentric red wine that tickled our fancy.
Photo from La Viarte.
See also: our review of other La Viarte wines.
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: 7 61503 72431 1.
Imported by: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant; Berkeley, California.