2012 Piccini Chianti - Wine Review

I don't know why, but the word Chianti always, or more accurately usually makes me uninclined to try the wine.
But having recently enjoyed a bottle, with Mr.R. of 2012 Piccini Chianti, I think my opinion has changed.
I really liked this wine, and at about six quid a bottle, it's one I'd definitely drink again.

Not surprisingly, 2012 Piccini Chianti, has won several awards -

• The Dallas Wine Competition, 2014: Bronze 
• Decanter World Wine Awards, 2013: Bronze 
• International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2013: Bronze 
• International Wine Challenge, 2013: Commended

Made using the Sangiovese (Nielluccio) grape, the 2012 Piccini Chianti had a lovely full-on fruity aroma, and flavour, with a bright berry appearance.
It was full of red cherries, black plums, ripe strawberries, delicious raspberries, anise, and liquorice.
Obviously it may have been the food I ate prior to drinking this wine, but the liquorice flavour was really quite intense, which I absolutely loved.
It's a smooth medium-bodied wine, with lots of character.

From the label -
Chianti Piccini is a great international success. An unique Chianti, intensely fruity, with a velvety and soft palate, marked by pleasant notes of ripe berries. 
A versatile wine easy to pair with pasta, pizza and red meat.
Recommended serving temperature: 18C. 
Bottle by: PICCINI Srl - Castellina in Chianti - ITALIA 
www.tenutepiccini.it
Do you like Chianti?
Have you tried the 2012 Piccini Chianti? 
Did you like it?

Cono Sur Bicicleta, Pinot Noir 2013 - Wine Review

This wine definitely tasted nicer the more of it we drank.
It's a good idea to either open this wine and let it breathe for at least 20 minutes, or better still an hour, if you believe it all that 'letting wine breathe' nonsense. ;)

Or if, once you've unscrewed the bottle, yes it's a screwtop, you simply want to drink the wine and not wait for it to magically improve in taste, then simply chuck it into a large jug, decanter, or wine glass.
Yes, I do mean those deliciously large wine glasses that can easily hold a decent amount of wine; a whole bottle if you like. :o

From the bottle label -
The Cono Sur vineyard workers travel around our estate by bicycle, tending the vines using natural methods, in order to produce the best quality grapes.
Our Bicicleta wines are a tribute to them.
WINEMAKERS NOTES: A fresh, voluptuous Pinot with rich notes of cherry, blackberries and plum together with a balanced, ripe palate. 
FOOD PAIRING: This is the perfect wine for grilled chicken or red meat dishes.  

So, after all that, what was Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2013 like?
It was nice.
It was a fresh, nicely balanced medium-bodied wine with rich flavours of blackberry, cherry, cranberry, plum, and an earthy, smoky aroma with raspberry, and spices, and soft tannins.
A lovely drinkable Pinot Noir.
Have you tried Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2013?
Did you like it?