Delicious. 5 stars — 5 months ago
Cusumano – Merlot Terre Siciliane IGT 2023
Sicily – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Cusumano is one of Sicily’s most progressive family-owned wineries, blending modern winemaking with the island’s ancient terroirs. This 100% Merlot comes from vineyards planted in the rolling hills of the Terre Siciliane IGT, showcasing how international varieties thrive under Sicily’s Mediterranean sun and volcanic-influenced soils.
Aromas & Flavors
Plum, blackberry, and red cherry dominate the nose, with soft accents of violets, Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, it’s juicy and fruit-driven, supported by hints of spice and earth that keep it grounded.
Mouthfeel
Smooth and medium-bodied, with round tannins and fresh acidity. A vibrant, approachable wine that finishes gently with a fruity, slightly savory edge.
Winemaking Notes
Vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruit purity, with short aging in neutral vessels. Cusumano’s style emphasizes clean, modern lines rather than heavy oak influence.
Food Pairing
Perfect with pasta alla norma, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, or aged caciocavallo cheese. Its balance of fruit and freshness makes it versatile for everyday Mediterranean dining.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, modern Sicilian Merlot that’s both accessible and expressive of place. Proof that international grapes can shine beautifully on the island, especially when crafted with balance and restraint. A la salute! — 10 months ago
I’ve been so looking forward to experiencing one of my bottles of the 2018 Margherita Otto and decided tonight was the night since it was -17°F here in Omaha. While a relative new-comer as far as Barolo producers are concerned, Alan’s approach leans heavily towards the traditional. Until now, his Barolo remains a blend of Nebbiolo from different communes in an effort to make a more complete expression of the zone. The first few vintages incorporated fruit from Monteforte, Serralunga and Castiglione Falletto. This vintage was the first to incorporate some fruit from the Vignane MGA in Barolo.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. There was some evolution but it was consistent, with no noticeable dip in enjoyment. The 2018 pours a deep ruby with a translucent core and a slightly garnet rim; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, youthful with a pleasant mix of red and black fruits: bright Morello cherry, strawberries, raspberries, Marionberries, pomegranate, roses, dried herbs, tar, orange peel and dry gravelly earth. On the palate, bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long with a touch of anise and red rope licorice thing. Just lovely and definitely a producer I'll be following. Drink now with some patience and over the next 20 years. Fewer than 4000, 750ml bottles were produced. — 2 years ago

Dark glass-clinging garnet purple. Blueberry, black raspberry, and leather on the abundant nose and full-bodied, rustic palate. Fine medium plus tannins and high juicy acidity round out this classically Old World red from S Italy. Pizza Margherita is a natural, of course, but Osso Bucco, tomato heavy beef dishes, and Mediterranean fare (maybe even Cassoulet?) will shine as well. Drink now through 2026 or so. — 5 years ago
Out with Yaz Jeff Yvonne Sweta and Amy — 4 months ago
Tenuta di Renieri – Chianti Classico 2022
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany 🇮🇹
Overview
A traditionally styled Chianti Classico, this wine highlights the Sangiovese grape in its most authentic form. From the Berardenga subzone, known for producing some of the boldest and most structured Chianti Classico wines, this bottle remains refreshingly approachable while carrying the DOCG pedigree.
Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant red cherries, ripe cranberries, and a touch of dried herbs meet subtle notes of violet and a whisper of earthy spice.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with silky tannins and a lively acidity that keeps the fruit bright and the finish fresh. Straightforward but elegant, perfect for everyday Chianti enjoyment.
Food Pairings
Margherita pizza, tomato-based pasta dishes, roasted chicken with rosemary, and Pecorino Toscano.
Verdict
A lovely, cherry-driven Chianti Classico that balances tradition with easy drinkability. Berardenga’s terroir lends just enough structure to give depth, while still offering immediate charm in the glass.
Did You Know?
Chianti Classico wines are marked by the iconic black rooster (Gallo Nero) seal on the neck, symbolizing wines from the historic heart of the Chianti region. — 8 months ago
This was lovely! We fried some zucchini blossoms and made a margherita pizza. The fresh acidity cut right through the richness of the fried food and the creamy mozzarella, and the herbal fruit brought out the best in the tomato sauce and fresh basil. Enjoy this wine! — a year ago
Excellent. — 3 years ago
100% Tinta Barroca, one of the most planted varieties in the Douro, where it is generally used for port blends. From a north-facing plot in Meda (Douro Superior) at 600m elevation. Fermented and aged in concrete vats. Beautiful, fragrant nose. Aromas of ripe fruit (strawberries, strawberry jam and black currant). Medium bodied, bright fruit on the palate. High acidity. — 4 years ago
Bellísimo! Eucalyptus gave way to lavender and cocoa. Tightly wound cherry with long tannic finish. Had with frito misto, gnocchi pomodoro, margherita pizza and herb rack of lamb at Casa di Don Alfonso. First indoor meal in >1 year. Was like riding a bike. — 5 years ago
Ashford Castle Feb 2026 got the feeling this has been marked up, would guess around €25 retail here €75. Plummy, good structure, went well with Pork (cooked Jesper SA oven/braia). One to watch out for. — 4 months ago
Earthy and light — 9 months ago
Had this one with homemade Margherita pizzas. Delicious pairing! Great value from Trader Joe’s for like $9. — a year ago
Preis: $ 45.- — a year ago
Threw a few of these in the cellar just to see what would happen. Finally coming into its own in Hour 2. Dark blue black fruits, nice acidity, balanced. Really nice. Great for Sunday pasta and red sauce. — 4 years ago
A Margherita, a tagliate, a ceasar, gnocchi for 2 and Nancy Pelosi. Vibing. — 4 years ago
Almost like it better than Santa Margherita. Shit goes down like water. Super smooth. — 6 years ago
Michael Owczarek
So fucking good — 2 months ago