Mongrana 2010 Agricola Querciabella
I was looking for a Super Tuscan recently. A “Super Tuscan” is usually the blend of Cabernet / Merlot & Sangiovese. The blend varies somewhat, but the blend naturally lures the dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, the fruitiness of sweet Merlot and the grit and pungent taste of Sangiovese, which is the significant grape in this blend. I absolutely love how the Sangiovese interacts with the Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot and gives these Super Tuscans the unmatched Italian character and flavor. I came across Mongrana 2010 Agricola Querciabella, which was in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2013. I wasn’t “rating shopping” (which I will discuss ratings by various wine authorities in a future post) but after reading the Top 100 description in the wine shop, and not having previously tasted any wine produced by Querciabella, I picked up a bottle.
Querciabella, founded in 1974, has vineyards located through Tuscany and uses natural winemaking techniques and processes. The grapes are harvested by hand, initially fermented in stainless steel tanks, then, some of the wine sits on oak for ten months before blending. Each vintage of Mongrana features a different image. The 2010 image on the bottle (below) was Vera Tussing, London, UK, 2011 and photographed by Allessandra Rocchetti.
I opened a bottle and immediately noticed the warm red fruit colors. The nose was intense with round berry flavors, sweet overtones followed by dry tannins and slight earthiness on the finish. The wine seemed somewhat “tight” so I decanted the Mongrana for 45 minutes before trying another glass. Unfortunately it didn’t change much from my first taste. Although we drank and enjoyed the bottle, I was looking for a taste I didn’t quite get. Wine is always a personal preference, and taste and likes will vary among individuals. After pondering this a bit, I am trying to convince myself I bought an “off” bottle, not “corked” (which I will discuss in a future post), but “off” taste as the wine rating didn’t match my experience. I will visit my wine shop and pick up another bottle and see if I get any better results. Stay tuned! I would welcome anyone else to share their comments on this wine. The 2010 Mongrana can be picked up for less than $25.
Cheers!