Giorgio Quinto Olmo Antico 2005

Federico Vincenzi is an Italian sommelier and a wine writer with the Masters Degree in Economics. He has been consulting top restaurants in Italy and Switzerland and has received many awards, including ‘Sommelier of the month’ and 'Meilleur Formateur en Vin de Champagne'. Federico lives in Milan where he founded OENOGOURMET www.oenogourmet.com

Brand: GIORGIO QUINTO

Winery: OLMO ANTICO

Vintage: 2005

Appellation: PROVINCIA DI PAVIA ROSSO IGT

Varietal: 100% Merlot

Winemaker: Alberto and Paolo Baggini

Oak: maceration and fermentation in 50 hl steel vats. It rests in 35 hl bay oak barrels for two years, only 10% of it is transferred to barrique for 12 months. Then the assembling in big barrels takes place and it stays there for another 12 months
Alcohol: 13,5%
Average Price: € 20

Tasting Notes: From the Oltrepò Pavese district – quality growing in the last few years – “Giorgio Quinto” has a deep and concentrated ruby red on the eye; still purple highlights. The olfactory analysis brings us scents of red fruits (blackberry, strawberry and plum), plus balsamic hints. After few seconds of oxygenation, aromas of juniper and liquorice.
On the palate it is definitely a Merlot: nicely fresh, harmonically balanced by alcohol. Tannins are not aggressive, giving a feeling of smoothness, elegance and persistency.
Drink now through 2015.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Marrow-bone with risotto is very typical. Try it also with medium matured cheese, and red meat in general.

General rating: 92 points
Vintage Overview: Merlot from Oltrepò Pavese (Lombardy) saw a very interesting season in 2005; never excessively hot, it gave wines with the correct level of acidity and great opportunities for the aging.

Tasting date: January 28th 2009