Red Wine Review - Gagliole Valetta 2017 Organic Super Tuscan from Independent Wine

It's funny how your tastes change over time. Years ago I wasn't a wine drinker. In my 20's I preferred a Malibu and pineapple, a peach schnapps, in fact, any alcoholic drinks that aren't particularly sophisticated and were definitely sweet. I still like a cocktail today, but wine is my go-to drink if I am in a bar or restaurant, although I prefer dry white wines and smooth reds these days.  So when Independent Wine got in touch to ask if I wanted to review Italian wine, it was an easy yes. This is an ad in conjunction with Independent Wine.

Who are Independent Wine?

Independent Wine are a company passionate about premium Italian Wine. Working directly with Italian wineries they handpick the best wine for their customers at competitive prices, taking into account, high quality, superior taste and industry awards. They also have an excellent wine knowledge base online, so if you don't know your Chianti from your Barolo, your Barbaresco from your Chardonnay all the information is there helping you choose the perfect wine to go with your flavour palette and your food choices.


Gagliole Valetta 2017 organic wine


The wine they sent me was the Gagliole Valetta 2017 organic wine. This 'Super Tuscan' wine is a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese from an ancient terraced vineyard in Panzano, Chianti Classico. People have been producing wine here since the medieval era. In this centuries-old terraced vineyard, the Sangiovese vines and olive trees are planted according to ancient tradition. 
This Gagliole Valetta organic wine is made of 50% Merlot and 50% Sangiovese – Tuscany’s signature red grape. 

Organic wines are created without pesticides in the growing process of the grapes making a naturally produced wine which is kinder for the environment. 

wine lable

So what does the term 'Super Tuscan' mean. If you haven't heard the term 'Super Tuscan' before, it describes some of Tuscany's top wines based on quality, using non-indigenous grapes. These blended wines are now better than ever and can be pricey but are worth it. 

Colour and smell
 
red wine

The colour of the wine is a rich purple and ruby colour and the notes I picked up when smelling the wine were the smell of cherries, blackberries and plums.

Flavour

drinking red wine

The flavour of the wine reminded me of Autumn, with robust berry flavours. The wine is smooth to drink without too much tannin, so you don't have that bitterness in your mouth after. The wine is 14 per cent in strength and I think would be good to serve with red meat and rich casseroles. My husband and I both enjoyed the wine as it was very flavourful and delicious to drink with a soft mouthfeel. 

Why red wine?




Anecdotal evidence suggests organic wine can be easier on your liver and there is a wealth of research that suggests a small amount of red wine every day (under 150 ml) can be good for your heart due to the level of antioxidants. Obviously I am no doctor so don't take that as a health recommendation though! The wine is priced at £28.48 which is quite pricey, partly due to the organic nature of the wine, but if you love red wine I think you will really enjoy it. James Suckling, the internationally renowned wine critic has given the wine 92 points out of 100 which is high praise indeed.

If you want to check out some of the best Italian wines, that you won't get elsewhere, then check out Independent Wine for a wine delivered to your door next day.  Let me know, do you like drinking Italian wine? Is red or white wine your favorite or are you more or a rose wine person?

*AD

14 comments

  1. I love reading wine reviews, we love a nice glass or two and love finding new wines to try. Will have to look out for this one

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love how you have described the wine, I'm not even a wine drinker but you have totally sold it to me! Maybe my palette will change over time! Sim :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Getting wine delivered sounds like a dream!! I might have to look in to this for my Dad as he struggles carrying his shopping home in the week and feels wine is a waste of valuable space.

    He normally stocks up when I can take him in the car. I think this would be perfect for him.

    Thanks for sharing x

    ReplyDelete
  4. When I was in my 20s I also liked sweet drinks, the colder and fruitier the better. This wine sounds tasty, it sounds like it has a full and fruity flavor.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like a lovely quality wine. I've recently begun drinking more red wine. I love to cook with it too. Sometimes I actually put it in the food ;) haha.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You can't beat an Italian wine and this one sounds delicious! I am slowly growing to like red wine after years of not liking it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I didn't actually know organic wines meant no pesticides were used, that's so great to hear. And getting wine to your door sounds pretty dreamy x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love red wine and always wondered what was the difference with normal wine and organic wine, so it was good to learn that these wines are created without pesticides. I don't mind paying a little extra after learning that fact

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love a glass of red wine after a day at work. I haven't tried organic wine yet but it's definitely something I would try.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I donit drink wine, or alcohol at all but this sounds wonderful - I often treat my parents to a nice bottle of wine so maybe this could be the next one!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sometimes the extra cost for wines can be well worth it. You can often tell the difference easily when you drink them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. So that's what organic wine means! I never knew the difference between normal and organic, so thank you for that. It sounds like a lovely wine.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My dad enjoys a nice glass of red wine and he is always on the lookout for new brands to try.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I hope one day my tastes change so I can appreciate wine more. This one sounds so good. Really lovely review, you describe it really well.

    ReplyDelete