The first period of the year imposed a dutiful stop which made all public relationships very difficult. While before they took place in person it has been necessary to organize ourselves to be able to proceed remotely and thanks to the technology and the shipping sector that has never stopped all this has been made possible, perhaps a bit colder with personal relationships divided by a monitor and a webcam, but still possible.
It’s true, tastings are blind tastings and without knowing who produces the wine in tasting but after a certain period by participating in wine fairs and wine events it happens that producers and journalists meet and very often a relationship is born that never helps to elevate the wines but in any case makes our jobs more enjoyable.

Here are the scores and the translated tasting notes, obtained after the tasting of one of the most important figures on the Canadian scene: Mr. Rod Phillips.

The wines tasted are the San Claudio II – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG in the 2017 vintage and the Fontegrande – Rosso di Montepulciano DOC in its 2018 vintage.

Tasting notes:

• San Claudio II: This delicious wine, made from sangiovese (85%), canaiolo, and mammolo, ticks all the right boxes. The fruit is ripe and well layered, with flavours that are focused and well defined. The seam of fresh, clean acidity provides an excellent counterpoint and the tannins are well-integrated. It’s already a harmonious wine that will improve over time. Drinking window: now to 2026.
• A blend of sangiovese (90%) and canaiolo, this is not a complicated wine but it’s really delightful to drink. The fruit is flavourful and bright, well concentrated and nicely layered. The acidity is well tailored to the fruit, is bright and clean, and adds some attractive juiciness to the texture. The tannins are relaxed. Enjoy this wine in its appealing youth and drink now to 2023.