Insider's Advantage - A Modern Italian Offering

Calling a wine "modern" can be a wonderful compliment or an egregious insult, depending upon the context and who is saying it. Generally speaking, the term modern is used when discussing Old World wines which are made in a New World style (i.e., softer, fruitier and more extracted).

Purists may find modern-style wines to be overly ripe and extracted. They might even hurl out the word "fruit bomb" with attitude under their breath when encountering one. These folks enjoy wines with more acidity and minerality, often with longer aging potential.

Fans of modern wines definitely enjoy a certain ripeness and boldness. One might refer to them as hedonists. Or fans of Robert Parker. You name it. These wines can really hit the spot in the right context. So, the jury is out.

We're curious. Do you think Old World wines made in a modern style are bold and delicious, or flashy and soul-less? Or are you somewhere in between?

Today's offering may help you decide. We have a modern style wine from Tuscany with some great press.

Podernuovo Therra 2009 (IGT)

"Therra is a dense and round blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that offers pretty harmony between its dark fruit side and it exotic spice component. Lingering notes of cherry, chocolate and leather drive the long finish." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 92 points

"A lush, polished red, backed by plenty of grip, offering an ideal stage for the black cherry, licorice, leather and wild herb aromas and flavors. Shows potential on the finish, where the fruit, coffee and spice notes gather. A new wine from the Bulgari family. Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2024. 2,000 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 91 points
Wine Spectator: Smart Buy

"The 2009 Therra (a 50-30-10-10 blend of Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) definitely shows some of the heat and the softness of the vintage. Ripe blackberry, cherry liqueur and exotic spice are presented in thick, obvious layers. This is wine that presents its aromatic characteristics in thick, broad brushstrokes. Soft chocolate and tobacco flavors appear on the luscious finish. This pretty Tuscan blend is best suited to medium and near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 89 points

$24.99/bottle or $239.90/12 pack case ($19.99/bottle) or just $19.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Please let us know your thoughts!

Ciao!

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

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