PV Tasting Notes
The 2009 Laccento is the clearest ruby red in colour, lavishly scented floral aromas explode from the glass, beautiful fresh roses, lavender, cinnamon, raspberry, cherry, and oriental spices appear in profound quantities and all merge effortlessly. The palate is also surprising but perfectly follows the aromatics, full-on and ever so feminine, delicate and yet there is a boldness here, soft tannins provide the framework to this super sexy wine. It’s not unlike a fine burgundy with 10 or 20 years bottle age behind it; Silky, slightly musky, absurdly rich, fully ripe with superb concentration and velvety textured, the mouth fills with violets, roses and dark cherries, then light touches of apricot, coffee and spices make an appearance in the olfactory. This offers an extravagant personality with an interminable finish in which the chorus sings beautifully, loudly and in total harmony, this wine is unusual, unexpected, uncanny and unassailable, and in the UK until now, totally unknown.
My feeling is this brilliant and easy drinking wine will surprise many wine aficionado’s and enthusiast alike, this is something different and just waiting to be discovered. It could continue to evolve for several years yet, I simply don't know but I don’t think if it will make old bones, perhaps best to drink between 2011 and 2016. To be honest, it may well keep but it’s so good to drink now, I see no point in keeping it for long periods. Tasted February 2011.
Independent ReviewRated Top Wine of Italy 2011
99 Points Luca Maroni | Annuario Dei Miglioi Vini Italiani 2011
There is always a high point where the scent comes in a sweet way to vibrate. Here in this wine, however, from there we move. A high note, neat floral lymph, which in no way deviates from its original sublime fruitiness. A vein of fruity and floral sweetness essentially natural in its height, lyricism and crystallinity. Raspberries, violets, cherries and rose in intensity and fragrance just phenomenal. After the significant effect, the essential cause. The sample has richness of extracts, balance of taste, aroma with an executive oenological sharpness absolutely exceptional. A viticoltural and oenological archetype of great global value. And then its very dense and soft raspberry, that endlessly the sublime aroma irradiate.
This wine would best suit Rabbit and walnut linguine, Duck rillettes with duck breast, pickled mushrooms and parsnip and apple purée, Slow-cooked duck with duck fat chips and gravy, Duck confit, Crispy duck pancakes, Smoked duck and watercress salad with wholegrain mustard dressing, Pan-fried duck breast with cherry sauce, Roast turkey crown, Turkey braised in red wine, Turkey roasted in honey, Pheasant with red wine and onions, Cavalo nero with pheasant, Roast pheasant with chestnut mash and honeyed parsnips, Pomme sauté with creamed leeks and pan fried partridge, Roast grouse with pâté and bread sauce, or saddle of venison.
Azienda Agricola Montalbera was started at the beginning of the 20th Century. They have had a single goal for the past decade, “taste for excellence” and have set about achieving this goal with a really obscure grape varietal. Makes you think, they’re either crazy or geniuses, but decidedly full of passion. Still virtually unknown outside of Italy, but becoming recognised within the country by all of the wine guides, it will not be long before Montalbera gain the international recognition they truly deserve. Planted predominately with Ruche and a certain amount of Grignolino, they currently produce 55% of worldwide production of Ruche, I suppose it would naturally figure that they would be the best with this varietal, but recent inward investment developments and increases in quality have been nothing short of stellar. Their goal is now to present Ruche as “the other face of Piedmont” competing with Barolo and Barbaresco, to be perfectly honest, I don’t know if this is possible, but for pure drinkability and early appeal, these offer instant hedonistic appeal.