At Vino Italiano with Giorgio Fragiacomo
Another lovely wine dinner at Vino Italiano in Waltham, MA. This night we enjoyed the wines of Querciabella Estate in Chianti Classico, with our most gracious host, Giorgio Fragiacomo, Head of Sales, a true Renaissance Man. Querciabella was newly acquired in 1972 by Giuseppe Casteiglioni, a native Milanese who alternates between his steel business in Mexico and Querciabella. Giuseppe invested heavily in Querciabella to introduce new technology and expand vineyards, striving for perfection. The name Querciabella means “Beautiful Oak,” and pays homage to the oak trees that once supported the vines, naturally in the vineyards.
The following are my notes, along with along with the amazing dinner that accompanied the wines.
2020 Querciabella Mongrana Bianca
Toscana IGT
90% Vermentino; 10% Viognier
The first wine of the flight was the Mongrana Bianca, a lovely blend of Vermentino and Viognier. The nose was all floral and tropical fruit notes with wet stone and citrus hints. Light-to-medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Well-balanced. Soft, mellow with tropical fruit – papaya and guava. The impact of the Viognier is profound and makes the wine incredibly seductive. Moderate length, clean and crisp. Pleasant with a lemony, tart finish. Delightful.
The wine was paired with an assortment of passed Italian Antipasti.
2021 Querciabella Mongrana Rossa
Toscana IGT
50% Sangiovese; 25% Cabernet Sauvignon; 25% Merlot
Earthy nose with fresh cherry, crushed rose petal and dried herb notes. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannins. Well-balanced. Black cherry, dried herbs and saddle leather. Edgy. Moderate length – tight.
The wine was paired with Capesante – Pan Seared Diver Scallop, Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Puree, Saffron Vinaigrette.
2019 Querciabella Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico DOCG
100% Sangiovese
Bright cherry fruit on the nose with truffle and earthy notes. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannin. Very tight, dark and brooding. Tarry with black cherry and anise notes. Long finish, tight. Age worthy. Splendid.
The wine was paired with Risotto ai Funghi – Creamy Risotto with Fresh Porcini Mushrooms, Parmigiano and Truffle Oil.
2017 Querciabella Turpino
Toscana IGT
40% Cabernet Franc; 40% Syrah; 20% Merlot
Black cherry and black currant on the nose. Cocoa, Anise and rose attar. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm tannins – tight and intense. Well-balanced. Dark fruit core – tight. Great minerality with tobacco and saddle notes. Long finish – tight – So young – huge aging potential.
The wine was paired with Scaloppa di Capriolo – Pan-Seared Venison Medalion, Potato Croquette, Broccoli Rabe, Red Wine Sugo.
2017 Querciabella Camartina
Toscana IGT
70% Cabernet Sauvignon; 30% Sangiovese
The Camartina is Querciabella’s entry into the category of Super Tuscan wines, noted for their extraordinary quality, while not-conforming to the DOCG for Chianti Classico. The name Camartina is a fusion of Casaocci, what the hamlet where Querciabella is located was called in the 11th century and Giuseppe’s daughter Martina.
The wine is magnificent, with black cherry, tobacco, and wet stone on the nose. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, tight tannin. Well=balanced. Dark fruit core with jammy cherry and blackberry notes. Long finish – tight – Infanticide. Age worthy – just spectacular.
The wine was paired with Arroto di Miale – Roast Suckling Pig, Beet Lyonnaise, Rosemary Roast Drippings.
2019 Quercialbella Batàr
Toscana IGT
50% Chardonnay; 50% Pinot Bianco
Lovely, seductive nose with vanilla, toffee, apple and citrus notes. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Well-balanced. Tight – Tart. Apricot, butterscotch, and crème brûlée notes. Long finish – complex and layered. Simply divine.
The wine was paired with Crostata di Pignoli – Honey and Pine Nut Tart, Vanilla Bean Gelato.
Simply marvelous time – David and his crew – Charles and Gabrielle are the most generous hosts. They make every visit charming and wonderful.
Thank you! Cheers!
