Pasqua, Passimento 2009, Italy
Pasqua is a producer of a great deal of inexpensive Italian wine, but this one is a little bit different. From the Veneto region of north east Italy, it is a wine made with partially dried grapes in the style of Amarone. The grapes here are common to Amarone too – Corvina and Croatina – along with some Merlot. The nose has dried cherry and cranberry, and also a little note of herbs and flowers, as well as a background touch of older, tobbacoey oak. On the palate it is smooth and rich, with a certain curranty intensity. It’s quite a big wine with 14% alcohol, and although it is not a particularly complex wine and nor is it particularly long, it does have authentic Amarone-like flavours and a bit of style and substance. At its price, an interesting option. Watch the video for more information and food-matching suggestions. 7.99, The Co-operative.
