A few years ago while on vacation, we were introduced to the Dievole wines. The Plenum Quartus by Dievole (blog review posted 5/20/09) is still one of our favorite wines. This week we tried the 2004 "Novecento" which is a medium bodied blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% other estate grapes from the Sessina and Massoni vineyards. 2004 was a mixed vintage throughout Europe but was a very good year in the Tuscan region. This ruby red wine is a little darker than most Chianti's. The Sangiovese grape was considered one of the first grapes harvested by the Romans and possibly earlier. The grape is actually a cross between a Tuscan grape and a grape from southern Italy. The wine opened with a mild nose of red and black fruits, along with some coffee. On the palate, there were more intense plum, prune and cherry flavors along with dark chocolate and some slight oakiness. The acidity on this wine was rather high and the finish was more assertive than other Chianti's. It also has a 13.5% alcohol content. We were rushed for time last night so we didn't get to decant this wine, but I would recommend opening an hour before serving. Overall, the regular $46 retail price is too high for this wine, as was the $29 "on-sale" price. There are better Chianti's out there for this price. Two thumbs down at our house.Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dievole Chianti Classico "Novecento" Riserva DOCG 2004
A few years ago while on vacation, we were introduced to the Dievole wines. The Plenum Quartus by Dievole (blog review posted 5/20/09) is still one of our favorite wines. This week we tried the 2004 "Novecento" which is a medium bodied blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% other estate grapes from the Sessina and Massoni vineyards. 2004 was a mixed vintage throughout Europe but was a very good year in the Tuscan region. This ruby red wine is a little darker than most Chianti's. The Sangiovese grape was considered one of the first grapes harvested by the Romans and possibly earlier. The grape is actually a cross between a Tuscan grape and a grape from southern Italy. The wine opened with a mild nose of red and black fruits, along with some coffee. On the palate, there were more intense plum, prune and cherry flavors along with dark chocolate and some slight oakiness. The acidity on this wine was rather high and the finish was more assertive than other Chianti's. It also has a 13.5% alcohol content. We were rushed for time last night so we didn't get to decant this wine, but I would recommend opening an hour before serving. Overall, the regular $46 retail price is too high for this wine, as was the $29 "on-sale" price. There are better Chianti's out there for this price. Two thumbs down at our house.
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Sounds delish! I must admit the $29 bucks sounds much better to me too!
ReplyDeleteWino's - thanks for joining my blog. I've been behind in my postings but am trying to jump back in. If you like Chianti's, check out the Felsina or Riccasoli wines or the 2004 Terrabianca Campaccio. I highly recommend the 2001 Plenum Quartus, which is also posted. Jason
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