Montepulciano d’Abruzzo was one of the first wines in my wine journey many years ago, and I really enjoyed the ones I have tried, but I haven’t been to the Abruzzo region. However, I have been to Montepulciano, the medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, and have enjoyed their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. I’m glad you distinguished Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from Montepulciano because it could be a tad confusing for some. Thank you for the suggestions. It’s been a long time since I had a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It would be very interesting and exciting to find one of your recommendations and revisit this grape variety. I’ll watch the third wine later tonight after my conference call. Work always interrupts!😂 Santé, John!
Merci Margaux! Yes it can be confusing, I think. I was impressed with some of the Abruzzo wines! As always, selectivity is important, but there are some gems. Santè!
Didn’t think you’d be a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo guy!! Meyer Nakel gets lots of pub but for my palate, I find the wines too oaky. I prefer Jean Stodden in the Ahr.
great video as always. wonderful diversity of styles. I'm several hours away from opening a nice bottle of Gigondas and this video has helped build up the anticipation!
Pecorino!😍✨🔥 I heard and read this first on your Instagram post recently - was that last month? Impressed with what I’ve read from your outstanding post, I immediately went shopping for Pecorino. Fortunately, I found one in my city! How lucky is that?! Tombacco Pecorino!🥂 I was beyond excited, so rather than have the wine delivered to my place, I personally went to the physical shop to pick up the bottle. I opened it a few weeks ago and, guess what, I was astounded! The wine was so good - super impressive! It was deliciously complex and elegant with exotic fruit notes and excellent structure, acidity, and minerality. And to think I’m not often impressed or enamored with white wines. On the day I posted it in my Stories, I received some messages from Italian oenophiles saying it was really an outstanding wine and that the producer also has fantastic red wines. Someone even sent me a list! Unfortunately, the reds aren’t available here in my country(what else is new?!😂😂). But I must say, I have YOU to thank for this new wine discovery! This Pecorino is my new favorite white wine! Merci beaucoup et santé, John! You’re absolutely the best!
Initial reaction: “OMG, Gigondas!” So pleased that you included one of my most favorite wines from a region that’s very close to my heart and also to my palate.😁 Viewing and reacting to be continued tomorrow or as soon as I can resume doing so.😊 Working tonight but glad to have watched some of your YT content. Cheers, John!
Speaking of underrated and unknown wines or wine regions: Bellet AOC whites are to die for. Almost all in locally consumed so one doesn't really see them outside France and the production is about 120k bottles a year. This niche appellation has high altitude and is placed between the Mediterranean Sea's influence and the Mistral winds of the Alps. Premium wine from the Chateau de Bellet producer is Agnes Blanc which is absolutely beautiful and I loved it so much I reserved one bottle which we opened at my wedding.
Thanks for more bottle recommendations in all these regions! Everyone loves a Montepulciano d'abruzzo at a dinner party. Haven't had enough of them or Taurasi. I've been wanting to get more into Willamette Valley next time I'm back in the US, so this list was perfect motivation. I'm actually about to visit a bunch of German wine regions though and really enjoy Spatburgunder. Furst is so far my favorite producer but been wanting to try Meyer-Nakel. Spent a lovely afternoon at Saint Cosme last year and 100% agree that their entire lineup is exceptional. Le Claux blew my mind. Also really like Domaine des Bosquets
Excellent video. Gigondas is a good call: I have some 2016s and 2019s put by. Italy is a perpetual voyage of discovery - Mont. d'Abruzzo is great value. I am enjoying an Alsace Auxerrois from Louis Sipp as an aperitif at the moment; another underrated grape and appellation. I have just bought half a case of Meerlust red, which I will drink whilst waiting for my Rubicons (2015 and '17) to mature. German PN is a recent discovery. The Wine Society (my main merchant) has some really good examples. Much cheaper than the equivalent quality from Burgundy. How about Kumeu River Chardonnay?
Thanks very much! I’m a huge Kumeu River fan. Just mentioned that in my $50 video so left it out of this one. Appreciate your suggestions too! Sound excellent.
First time watcher here. Great video. Appreciate your pace and brief time spent with each suggestion/explanation. Too many videos are too long winded! My heart is in the Willamette Valley and Burgundy, but now branching into Italian.
I’m only a Level 2 but it seems we have a very similar approach to wines. Might go for Level 3 in my now retirement days. Of the Willamette AVAs, my favorite is Eola-Amity. I’m a huge Raj Parr fan and have been purchasing Evening Lands Pinots and Chards over the past 5 years. Also enjoy Bethel Heights reds and whites.
Wonderful video! I was quite surprised that the Ahr made an appearance. Personally, I am a very big fan, especially of the Mayer Näckel Pfarrwingert. I also lived there for a few years and worked at one of the better known wineries. It's nice that this wonderful region is also appreciated outside of Germany.
Great video and very nice to see you exploring German Pinot Noir! I've tried a few over the past few years and can recommend trying the following winemakers: Rudolf Fürst (Frankonia), Holger Koch, Friedrich Becker, Dr. Heger. IMHO German PN still offers excellent value.
Excellent video. I’ve all the Italian ones you mentioned in my cellar…. Not a lot of the Oregon ones, one Lingua Franca PN and some Hope Well too. I had some Ahr PN about two years ago, need to find some. Everything else I have is from Pfalz. What do you think of the wines coming out of Tasmania?
Thanks for all the recommendations, wish I could have been at the tasting. My grandparents on my mother's side of the family are from L'Aquila / Chieti Abruzzo. I have not been there yet, but many other places in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia. I researched the Donnachiara brand and found they have an (Irpinia) Aglianico for 11.99 on sale. While not a "Taurasi", the Irpinia is fermented in stainless steel vs. Oak for the Taurasi for the malolatic fermentation. Rated at 92 pts, so it may be worth a try for a "cellar defender". I tried a Mosel Pinot Noir this past summer at a winery in Germany, it was the wine makers first try at this red- way over oaked! I hope to buy some of the under rated wines.
Hey JJ! Do you think in terms of the annual seasons when choosing or recommending wines? The reason I ask is that I have always thought of GSM and similar wines as Autumnal or to be consumed in the Fall. I think of roast game meats, mushrooms, cassoulet, wild boar, provencal pizza, pepper steak, quail and pigeon. Are there any outside the box recommendations that you would make? Thanks again for a wonderful and thought provoking video! Cheers!
Cheers! This video came out in our February, which is a colder month here. There is probably a slight correlation between season and my video themes, but not a major one. Especially in a video where I’m discussing 8-12 wines, the price point or fact that they may be under-the_radar would be more important. Thank you!
Excellent episode. There are so many underrated wines of course. Not a single mention of a Spanish in this one but that gives me the opportunity to talk about the rest. Underrated doesn't necessarily mean cheap but it leans that way - Good value or unknown. It's hardly surprising that some German red wines should be involved in that discussion. I sampled some 15 years ago at an event in Birmingham, U.K. and was impressed. That's only going to evolve and get better. Montepulciano Abruzzo represents a lot of the wine world. There are great wines being produced in regions all over the the planet by great wine makers. They are underrated only because we continue to purchase the expensive regulation stuff. There's so much stuff flying under the radar on the international market. Local consumers in these regions are very happy about that. Cheers John. WT
Thank you! Completely agree. Had Italy on the brain since I just attended that trade event. Did have a terrific Spanish Rioja last night - the 2017 Remelluri Blanco. A gentle markup here in Napa. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!
hey Attorney Somm, i can recommend Bernard Huber from Baden with some very good german Pinot and Chardonnay, as well as Paul Fürst from Frank. they are really excellent in what they are doing.
Try some wines from Brazil. 1 - miolo sesmarias; 2 - valmarino churchill 3 - valmarino terço 4 - pizzato DNA99 5 - gheller sempiterno 6 - viapiana via1986 nebbiolo And try the pinot noir 7 - atelier tormentas Fúlvia pinot noir 8 - família bebber: maragato 9 - suzin zelindo and try the super premium cab sauvignon 10 - guaspari vista do chá and vista da mata
I’ve heard these wines can have a light “meat/smokey” type flavor, can you confirm and if so, explain why this might be? I haven’t heard of any other wine associated with those descriptors, thx.
I get meat and smoke more with Syrah than grenache and especially cooler climate Syrah. So I get it frequently on N Rhone. Not as much with Grenache-based S Rhone.
I think you could spend a lifetime exploring the world of Italian wines and never get bored, nor would you cease to be amazed what wonderful gems come from that country.
For more underrated wines, please check out this video! ua-cam.com/video/n5yjElOTSxE/v-deo.html
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo was one of the first wines in my wine journey many years ago, and I really enjoyed the ones I have tried, but I haven’t been to the Abruzzo region. However, I have been to Montepulciano, the medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, and have enjoyed their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. I’m glad you distinguished Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from Montepulciano because it could be a tad confusing for some. Thank you for the suggestions. It’s been a long time since I had a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It would be very interesting and exciting to find one of your recommendations and revisit this grape variety. I’ll watch the third wine later tonight after my conference call. Work always interrupts!😂 Santé, John!
Merci Margaux! Yes it can be confusing, I think. I was impressed with some of the Abruzzo wines! As always, selectivity is important, but there are some gems. Santè!
@@AttorneySomm I must find those gems then!😁 But I should refer to your recommendations - you’re the only one I completely trust!
Excellent Video!! Very good Pinot Noir from Baden are the Bernhard Huber GG. In Franken there are also great Pinot Noirs, the GG from Fürst f.e.
Thanks very much! Appreciate the suggestions! Cheers!
Didn’t think you’d be a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo guy!! Meyer Nakel gets lots of pub but for my palate, I find the wines too oaky. I prefer Jean Stodden in the Ahr.
Yes! I was surprised that there were a number of impressive options. Cheers!
great video as always. wonderful diversity of styles. I'm several hours away from opening a nice bottle of Gigondas and this video has helped build up the anticipation!
Thank you! Very glad you enjoyed the video! Hope you enjoy the Gigondas! 👍🍷
Pecorino!😍✨🔥 I heard and read this first on your Instagram post recently - was that last month? Impressed with what I’ve read from your outstanding post, I immediately went shopping for Pecorino. Fortunately, I found one in my city! How lucky is that?! Tombacco Pecorino!🥂 I was beyond excited, so rather than have the wine delivered to my place, I personally went to the physical shop to pick up the bottle. I opened it a few weeks ago and, guess what, I was astounded! The wine was so good - super impressive! It was deliciously complex and elegant with exotic fruit notes and excellent structure, acidity, and minerality. And to think I’m not often impressed or enamored with white wines. On the day I posted it in my Stories, I received some messages from Italian oenophiles saying it was really an outstanding wine and that the producer also has fantastic red wines. Someone even sent me a list! Unfortunately, the reds aren’t available here in my country(what else is new?!😂😂). But I must say, I have YOU to thank for this new wine discovery! This Pecorino is my new favorite white wine! Merci beaucoup et santé, John! You’re absolutely the best!
Merci beaucoup Margaux! So glad you enjoyed the Pecorino as well. A fortunate discovery for me at the Italian tasting. Hope you your weekend. Santè!
@@AttorneySomm You’re welcome, John! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Initial reaction: “OMG, Gigondas!” So pleased that you included one of my most favorite wines from a region that’s very close to my heart and also to my palate.😁 Viewing and reacting to be continued tomorrow or as soon as I can resume doing so.😊 Working tonight but glad to have watched some of your YT content. Cheers, John!
Cheers Margaux! Glad you enjoyed it! Gigondas is fantastic! 🍷🍷
Speaking of underrated and unknown wines or wine regions: Bellet AOC whites are to die for. Almost all in locally consumed so one doesn't really see them outside France and the production is about 120k bottles a year. This niche appellation has high altitude and is placed between the Mediterranean Sea's influence and the Mistral winds of the Alps. Premium wine from the Chateau de Bellet producer is Agnes Blanc which is absolutely beautiful and I loved it so much I reserved one bottle which we opened at my wedding.
Thank you! Appreciate the tip! Sounds terrific!
Thanks for more bottle recommendations in all these regions! Everyone loves a Montepulciano d'abruzzo at a dinner party. Haven't had enough of them or Taurasi. I've been wanting to get more into Willamette Valley next time I'm back in the US, so this list was perfect motivation. I'm actually about to visit a bunch of German wine regions though and really enjoy Spatburgunder. Furst is so far my favorite producer but been wanting to try Meyer-Nakel. Spent a lovely afternoon at Saint Cosme last year and 100% agree that their entire lineup is exceptional. Le Claux blew my mind. Also really like Domaine des Bosquets
Thanks very much! Glad that you enjoyed it. Appreciate your insights as well. I’m still trying more Spatburgunder so I’ll keep an eye out for Furst.
Excellent video. Gigondas is a good call: I have some 2016s and 2019s put by. Italy is a perpetual voyage of discovery - Mont. d'Abruzzo is great value.
I am enjoying an Alsace Auxerrois from Louis Sipp as an aperitif at the moment; another underrated grape and appellation.
I have just bought half a case of Meerlust red, which I will drink whilst waiting for my Rubicons (2015 and '17) to mature.
German PN is a recent discovery. The Wine Society (my main merchant) has some really good examples. Much cheaper than the equivalent quality from Burgundy.
How about Kumeu River Chardonnay?
Thanks very much! I’m a huge Kumeu River fan. Just mentioned that in my $50 video so left it out of this one. Appreciate your suggestions too! Sound excellent.
First time watcher here. Great video. Appreciate your pace and brief time spent with each suggestion/explanation. Too many videos are too long winded! My heart is in the Willamette Valley and Burgundy, but now branching into Italian.
Thanks very much! Appreciate the kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🍷
I’m only a Level 2 but it seems we have a very similar approach to wines. Might go for Level 3 in my now retirement days. Of the Willamette AVAs, my favorite is Eola-Amity. I’m a huge Raj Parr fan and have been purchasing Evening Lands Pinots and Chards over the past 5 years. Also enjoy Bethel Heights reds and whites.
Thank you! Yes I enjoy both of those producers and have visited both. Level 3 is a terrific program! You get much more into tasting at that level.
Wonderful video! I was quite surprised that the Ahr made an appearance. Personally, I am a very big fan, especially of the Mayer Näckel Pfarrwingert. I also lived there for a few years and worked at one of the better known wineries.
It's nice that this wonderful region is also appreciated outside of Germany.
Thanks very much! Very glad you enjoyed it! Trying to expand my horizons a bit this year.
Great video and very nice to see you exploring German Pinot Noir! I've tried a few over the past few years and can recommend trying the following winemakers: Rudolf Fürst (Frankonia), Holger Koch, Friedrich Becker, Dr. Heger. IMHO German PN still offers excellent value.
Thanks very much! Appreciate the additions! Hopefully I can track some down! 👍🍷
@@AttorneySomm My pleasure!
Soter's origins series are very good values. The 2016 Mineral Springs Ranch White Label was phenomenal.
Thank you! Such an excellent producer.
Excellent video. I’ve all the Italian ones you mentioned in my cellar…. Not a lot of the Oregon ones, one Lingua Franca PN and some Hope Well too. I had some Ahr PN about two years ago, need to find some. Everything else I have is from Pfalz. What do you think of the wines coming out of Tasmania?
Thanks very much! Enjoy Tasmania a lot. Just very hard for me to get it in Dallas.
Thanks for all the recommendations, wish I could have been at the tasting. My grandparents on my mother's side of the family are from L'Aquila / Chieti Abruzzo. I have not been there yet, but many other places in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia. I researched the Donnachiara brand and found they have an (Irpinia) Aglianico for 11.99 on sale. While not a "Taurasi", the Irpinia is fermented in stainless steel vs. Oak for the Taurasi for the malolatic fermentation. Rated at 92 pts, so it may be worth a try for a "cellar defender". I tried a Mosel Pinot Noir this past summer at a winery in Germany, it was the wine makers first try at this red- way over oaked! I hope to buy some of the under rated wines.
Thanks very much! Sounds like an excellent value for the Donnachiara! Hope you can find some German Pinot you enjoy!
Very thorough video. I’ve seen Taurasi recommended in a few places now. Do you have any good recommendations of places that can ship out of state?
Thanks! On wine searcher, you can filter by ships to your state. Hopefully that helps!
Hey JJ! Do you think in terms of the annual seasons when choosing or recommending wines? The reason I ask is that I have always thought of GSM and similar wines as Autumnal or to be consumed in the Fall. I think of roast game meats, mushrooms, cassoulet, wild boar, provencal pizza, pepper steak, quail and pigeon. Are there any outside the box recommendations that you would make? Thanks again for a wonderful and thought provoking video! Cheers!
Cheers! This video came out in our February, which is a colder month here. There is probably a slight correlation between season and my video themes, but not a major one. Especially in a video where I’m discussing 8-12 wines, the price point or fact that they may be under-the_radar would be more important. Thank you!
Thank you for these suggestions! 🍇
My pleasure! Hope that you enjoy them too!
You should definitely try Baden's spätburgunder, in particular Salwey and Ziereisen 🤩
Thank you! Appreciate the suggestions! Looking forward to trying more of them!
Excellent episode. There are so many underrated wines of course. Not a single mention of a Spanish in this one but that gives me the opportunity to talk about the rest. Underrated doesn't necessarily mean cheap but it leans that way - Good value or unknown. It's hardly surprising that some German red wines should be involved in that discussion. I sampled some 15 years ago at an event in Birmingham, U.K. and was impressed. That's only going to evolve and get better.
Montepulciano Abruzzo represents a lot of the wine world. There are great wines being produced in regions all over the the planet by great wine makers. They are underrated only because we continue to purchase the expensive regulation stuff. There's so much stuff flying under the radar on the international market. Local consumers in these regions are very happy about that. Cheers John. WT
Thank you! Completely agree. Had Italy on the brain since I just attended that trade event. Did have a terrific Spanish Rioja last night - the 2017 Remelluri Blanco. A gentle markup here in Napa. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!
hey Attorney Somm, i can recommend Bernard Huber from Baden with some very good german Pinot and Chardonnay, as well as Paul Fürst from Frank. they are really excellent in what they are doing.
Thanks very much! Appreciate these suggestions! Cheers!
Try some wines from Brazil.
1 - miolo sesmarias;
2 - valmarino churchill
3 - valmarino terço
4 - pizzato DNA99
5 - gheller sempiterno
6 - viapiana via1986 nebbiolo And try the pinot noir
7 - atelier tormentas Fúlvia pinot noir
8 - família bebber: maragato
9 - suzin zelindo and try the super premium cab sauvignon
10 - guaspari vista do chá and vista da mata
Muito obrigado! Wonder if I can get them in Dallas?
Thank you so much for your time and dedication 😊🍷🍷
My pleasure! Thanks for watching and the support!
Not a huge fan of Grenache. Any recommendations for a Chateauneuf du pape that's not so dominated by it? My wife and I really enjoy Syrah.
Actually the Ch Cosme Côtes du Rhône is 100% Syrah and is an extraordinary buy at $18-20.
@@AttorneySomm will have to check it out!
I’ve heard these wines can have a light “meat/smokey” type flavor, can you confirm and if so, explain why this might be? I haven’t heard of any other wine associated with those descriptors, thx.
I get meat and smoke more with Syrah than grenache and especially cooler climate Syrah. So I get it frequently on N Rhone. Not as much with Grenache-based S Rhone.
@@AttorneySomm I actually like the idea of a slight “smoke” character, can you recommend a N Rhone winery or appellation for me to look into?
I think you could spend a lifetime exploring the world of Italian wines and never get bored, nor would you cease to be amazed what wonderful gems come from that country.
Completely agree with you! 👍🍷
Amen
Hi John, any plans on exploring Japanese wines?
Hello! Appreciate the suggestion! I’ll give it some thought!
Thank you. 💯🙏🍷😋
My pleasure! Thanks for the support!