Wine, Dine & Shine Altesino Montalcino Dinner at Locanda nel Loggiato
It was a beautiful Tuscan evening and perfect for tasting Altesino Brunello outside in Piazza Repubblica in front of the Molesini Wine Shop.
The line up for the free tasting was pretty impressive.
We began with a taste of the Rosso di Montalcino Altesino 2011 DOCG, pretty impressive for “just” a Rosso. They use the same grapes as are used for the Brunello, they just come from younger vines and are aged for less time.
The Altesino staff was very informative and helpful, describing every wine and vinification in detail. There were even a couple of special surprises, a small taste of 1998 and 2004, Brunellos. The 1998 had already reached its potential a few years ago but was still tasting pretty good. The 2004 was absolutely perfect. Velvety, soft but still with enough roughness to give it a little bit of an edge, divine!
As 8:00 p.m. rolled around we made our way to Locanda nel Loggiato, which sits on an outside terrace that overlooks Piazza Repubblica.
A tasting of their white wine was served.
Bianco di Altesino 2012 IGT Toscana – A blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Vermentino done in stainless steel. A really, really nice white, light, very dry, only slightly fruity and slightly herbaceous. Served with tasters of Italian tomato/bread soup, panzanella, and toasted bread with paté.
It was such a lovely evening, after the seeming threat of rain (yet again!) everyone lingered and enjoyed the outside.
Once inside the winery was introduced and as the second set of appetizers were being served, we learned a bit more information about Altesino.
Located on the North side of Montalcino, in 1970 the estate was converted to 100% vineyard. Their goal, to create an elegant wine. I’m going to tell you ahead of time that they have truly succeeded.
Rosso di Montalcino Altesino 2011 DOCG – On the nose red raspberry, some butter, cassis, graphite, herbal, just slight eucalyptus. In the mouth toasted bread, dried cherries, bitter cocoa. For a Rosso really nice. Served with fava beans and pecorino with slivers of wild boar bresaola as well as a third appetizer, a pancake pocket with Tuscan beans served over pureed spinach and slices of sausage.
Brunello di Montalcino Altesino 2008 DOCG – On the nose toasted boysenberry , in the mouth blueberries, deep red fruit, bitter chocolate, and chalky. This Brunello is aged for 5 years, 2.5 in oak, the rest in stainless steel and then the bottle. Served with Tagliatelle pasta with a delicious meat ragu that was re-cooked in a saucepan.
Brunello di Montalcino Altesino Montosoli 2008 DOCG – A single vineyard Brunello. On the nose dry fruits, bitter chocolate, and sage. In the mouth blue berries, herbaceous, very smooth. Served with a mixed plate of breaded meats and artichokes.
Our hosts continued their rounds making sure to answer any questions and that everyone was happy with their wine.
Tonight was a special night, it was Marco Molesini’s birthday!!! And of course this is exactly how you would think a wine shop owner would celebrate his birthday…
There was even a special cake for Marco, with a picture of a wine bottle on it, of course!
Happy Birthday Marco! And thanks for sharing all of the great wine!!!
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