Masi Poderi del Bello Ovile 2007

Serego alighieri is a collaboration between Masi and the Alighieri family who have worked together for the last 30 years. Masi brought with them not only their expertise in wine making but also in international distribution. The Alighieri family are direct descendants of the Divine Comedy's,Dante whose son bought the estate in 1353. They recently acquired vineyards south of Montalcino which mark the Alighieri's return to Tuscany after the exile of the poet. Together with Masi they have selected the best blend for this first release, Poderi del Ovile so named after the actual vineyards and in honour of an episode in the divine Comedy where Dante dreams of returning to the land where he was born.

The wine is 80% sangiovese and the balance made up of a blend of Canaiolo, Colorino and Shiraz. The aim was to add a super tuscan to their already prestigious veneto range. It is aged for 12 months in relatively small barrells in Italian terms, 600litres!


It is a beautiful ruby red colour with a nose of dark cherries and spice. Full-bodied , complex and elegant with some licquorice and dark fruits evident. Pretty pricey at €22.99 but a more affordable Super Tuscan than most and absolutely delicious. It was one of the many stunning wines we tried at a Masi trade tasting lunch in Pichet Restaurant last Wednesday. Myself and Jules had the privilege of sampling some of their rare and fine vintages including Amarone "Costasera" '97 and '88 as well as their single vineyard Mazzano Amarone '03(we sell the '01 for €75). We managed to grab a few minutes with Pierre which you can see below and he was able to explain the Amarone and Ripasso production method, as Masi was the first to make a Ripasso, no better man to ask!

Till Next Time



Clare
CELLARS,NAAS ROAD