Salut/Hi Mike Tommasi,

le/on Sun, 12 Oct 2003 11:09:39 +0200, tu disais/you said:-

On 12 Oct 2003 08:53:58 GMT, "Santiago G.H." wrote:

while many people thinks that this is a quality grading hierarchy, I
don't think this is the right approach. The hierarchy only says how much
time the wine has spent in oak barrels

Agree with Santiago here.

This system makes a choice very difficult. As you know, to a
non-spanish palate many of these wines appear hugely overoaked.

Not to this "non-spanish" palate. But I'v e long known we have quite widely
different tastes in wine - which is not - repeat "NOT" to say that you're
wromg and I'm right. But I love oakey Gran Riservas, especially with plenty
of bottle age on them.

have always found difficult is finding the vintage that has enough
substance to it to match the oak.

As _always_, it comes down to the grower/wineery. Try Riserva 904. A gran
riserva, but one only made in years which can take it - or was when I was
able to buy it affordably in the UK some 15 years ago.

BTW, I've never had a Brunello de Montalcino that I really like. So if ever
you come up to taste my last bottle of Reserva 904, bring a decent
Brunello.

--
All the Best
Ian Hoare

Sometimes oi just sits and thinks
Sometimes oi just sits.