Castello Di Cesare Rosso Lazio 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Region/Country:

Lazio IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) (also known as Latium)

Production Practices:

Kosher for Passover Non-Mevushal. The owner of production facilities emphasizes respect for the environment and are part of the owner's independent organic methods.

Varietal/Blend:
50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot

Appearance:
With the glass tilted at about a 45 degree angle, the wine is clear, transparent, medium (+) red cherry core fading to a wide (-) dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with an initial impression of low, almost neutral, intensity of fruit aromas. After an intense swirl the neutral aromas persisted although there might be a very slight indication of fruit red fruit aroma.

Palate:
Dry, light(+) body with medium (+) mouth-watering acidity, and low intensity of tannin. There is no indication of alcohol burn (12.0% ABV) indicating that it is well integrated into the wine and in balance with the other components. The fruit characteristics are a low intensity of red fruit (raspberry).

Finish/Length:
The finish is clean and short.

Conclusions:

This wine seems to be typical of other Lazio wines I have tasted in the past. The wine does not seem to possess significant complexity which has been my experience with wines from this region. I beleive this is an excellent example of a Rosso Lazio IGT from this region for the price. The wine is free of defects and the components seem to be in balance. I believe that this wine should be consumed within the next twelve months (no longer) considering the vital components of alcohol, acidity, fruit that do not bode well for ageing potential. This is an enjoyable, easy to drink wine for now.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$11.00

Producers Notes:

From Italy’s Lazio/Latium Region near Rome comes this old-world style wine from Castello di Cesare (Kas-tello dee Chesare) meaning “Caesar’s Castle.”

The Red (Rosso Lazio) is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet and Merlot made from hand-harvested grapes and produced in stainless steel. Fruity, medium-bodied with notes of light cherries and berries. Low tannins. Grapes come from the Castelli Romani appellation. Non-Mevushal. Under the Strict Orthodox supervision of Rav Umberto Avraham Piperno in accordance with the Chief Rabbinate of Rome and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

The grapes for Castello di Cesare are grown at an altitude of 350 meters at the Zagarolo Wine Estate and are always hand harvested. The estate’s production philosophy emphasizes respect for the environment and the use of products that are part of the owners’ independent organic methods. The winery is also home to the International Academy of Kosher Wine Production, affiliated with Touro College’s overseas Italian program.