Calderara is one of Terre Nere’s three single vineyard wines, and has vines averaging between 40 and 50 years of age. A blend of 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Capuccio. Imported by Arquilla Wines. Initially a bit stinky, with dark cherries and gunsmoke, and unpleasant flavours: savoury minerals with sour cherries and ash. Very dry and unloving.
Seven hours later and the wine was hitting its straps. Still showing dark cherry but only a touch of gunsmoke, and had evolved to also show a delicate rose-like floral, with herbs, dried meats and forest litter. The palate had rounded out, full flavoured, with savoury cherry fruits, dried herbs, minerals, iron filings and dry spices. A touch of raspberry acidity and pippy bitterness on the finish. The tannins are slightly chewy, and the length good. I have seen reviews that have compared this wine to both a Pinot Noir from Burgundy and a Nebbiolo from Piedmont, but on this showing I would be leaning towards the latter. An interesting wine.
Rated : 92 Points
Tasted : Dec09
Alcohol : 14%
Price : $60
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2011-2018
Source : The Wine Emporium
Hitting its scraps? V Funny
oops, fixed now…