Tasting some current vintages of the leading IGTs
I hosted a casual tasting on leading IGTs current vintage IGTs last week at home. The line-up is as follows:
Ad Astra IGT 2017, Maremma
Ad Astra IGT 2016, Maremma
Nectar Dei IGT 2017, Maremma
Nectar Dei IGT 2018, Maremma
Grattamacco 2006, Bolgheri Superiore
Grattamacco 2008, Bolgheri Superiore
Grattamacco 2010, Bolgheri Superiore
Grattamacco 2014, Bolgheri Superiore
Messiio 2014, Fertuna, Toscana
Le Difese 2018, Tenuta San Guido, Toscana
Villa Donoratico 2017, Bolgheri Rosso
Argentiera 2017, Bolgheri Superiore
Le Macchiole 2017 Bolgheri Rosso

The Tasting
The 2 Astras were highly palatable. Clean and elegant, it could probably weather any challenge from any lesser crus from Left Bank. The 2 Nectar Dei IGT Maremma were classically Bordeaux: fragrant nose, tight and these angular. Rich and aromatic, they were full-bodied and gave an exciting finish with a Sangiovese touch. The 4 Grattamaccos were great interpretatons of Cabernet+Merlot+Sangiovese blends. They were really 'the little Bordeaux' as coined by Doctor Wine! Those four vintages were big and polished enough, though I found 2008 more suited to my palate. Messio 2014 was very Bordeaux too, albeit with too little trace of Sangiovese. Le Difese 2018 was very interesting: apricoty, plummy and was very, very elegant. Villa Donoratico 2018 was lighter and less intense than I thought. There are lots of surprises, though. Argentiera 2018 made lots of changes. Very ripe. Pleasing. Bold with oak, red fruit, and green pepper, the last bottle Le Macchiole 2017 Bolgheri Rosso provides a firm tannic backbone that leads to a longish ending. The Cabernet Franc gives tones of greenness and liquorice that is exceptional.
The Dinner
The dinner started with a very herbie and classical Occhio a Vento 2018(Rocca della Macia), which contrasted well to the riper and modern Litorale Vermentino 2018 with a dash of Sauvignon Blanc. Definitely a crowd pleaser. Quite intense. The other dinner wines wer castello Terrico 2003, Guidalberto 2010(Tenuta San Guido), and Tenuta Guado Al Tasso 2006.
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