Purple has been my favorite color ever since declaring it as our wedding color almost ten years ago. And if you know me well, you know I surround myself with a lot of purple happiness! So, in the spirit of extreme consistency, I undoubtedly reach for wines with purple accented labels without hesitation. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a label sucker from time to time. If your wine sources are trustworthy, why not?
The simple label of the 2010 Le Buche Olivi caught my eye, right out of the gate. And upon first sip, my palate was pleased. Made of 100% Pugnitello, an ancient and rare red grape variety native to Tuscany, its name means “little fist,” referring to its small, tight bunches of berries that resemble a clenched hand. Forgotten for so many years, I love that this variety is experiencing a mini revival, thanks to a handful of local growers.
The 2010 Le Buche Olivi opened with primary aromas and flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, rhubarb, and star anise. Secondary notes included chocolate mocha and vanilla. Tertiary notes unfolded to blackberry cobbler with a graham cracker crust, leaves, and tobacco. This wine was dry, with medium (+) acidity, high alcohol, pronounced aroma and flavor intensity, full body, and medium (+) tannins that were super soft. The finish was long. At the risk of sounding too colloquial, can I just say, “yummmmm?”
This bad boy was made of grapes that were carefully hand-picked and sorted. Fermentation was slow and gradual, lasting a whopping 25 to 30 days, all with indigenous yeasts. Resulting wines are then matured in large-format barrels, accompanied by the constant sound of soft classical music—surely making the wine more harmonious and supremely balanced. Can you just picture it? I believe all living things are positively affected by the power of music. Wine is no exception.
This Pugnitello ruled, offering an edge of allure. Not surprising, given the purple label.
