Please join Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits as we welcome special guest Alessandro Lunardi from Tuscany’s esteemed Frescobaldi winery for a seated Crush Hour tasting and seminar! The Frescobladi family began producing Tuscan wine in 1308 and soon developed a notable client base. In exchange for exclusive paintings, the Frescobaldi’s traded their wine with the Italian Renaissance painter Michelangelo. Throughout the centuries, the Frescobladi family has continued to produce wines that speak to their place of origin with the local indigenous grape varietals, as well as acting as pioneers of modern wine production. In 1855 the Frescobaldi family introduced Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines to the region, helping start the Super Tuscan style. Join us as we taste seven wines and five cheeses from the Bern’s Cave du Fromage in this rare opportunity. The price is just $25.00 per person and seats are limited. For reservations, please call Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits at (813) 250-9463. Please see below for the featured wines:

2006 Castiglioni Giramonte $99.95
“Black in color, with superripe and intense aromas of crushed berries, espresso and blackberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a rich finish. Massive yet balanced. This has everything going for it. Merlot and Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 1,100 cases made.” 97 Points Wine Spectator

2004 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva $119.95

“Shows subtle yet intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry and flowers, with a hint of vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with lovely flavors of berry, chocolate and spice that follow through to a firm, racy finish. Best after 2012. 1,085 cases made.” 95 Points Wine Spectator

2007 Castiglioni Tenuta di Castiglioni IGT $29.95

“Intense aromas of currant, raisin and licorice, with hints of toasty oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a powerful currant, blackberry and mineral aftertaste. Dense, and all in reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Best after 2013.” 93 Points Wine Spectator

2006 Castello di Nipozzano Mormoreto IGT Toscana $69.95
“Blackberry, currant and licorice aromas follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and a long finish of chocolate, berry and toasty oak. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2011.” 92 Points Wine Spectator

2005 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino $69.95

“The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is a pretty offering laced with fresh flowers, plums, dark berries and spices, all of which emerge gracefully from its mid-weight frame. Clean, minerally notes inform the long, delicate finish. This is a terrific effort from Castelgiocondo.” 91 Points Robert Parker

2007 Castello di Nipozzano Nipozzano Chianti Rùfina Riserva $24.95

“It appears a deep, purple-edged ruby red, of impressive brilliance. Solid fruit notes of wild blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and dark cherry emerge initially on the nose, gradually yielding to more pungent impressions of sage, rosemary, vanilla, and cinnamon. That spiciness segues onto the palate, and then into a finish that ends with a flourish of balsam, black pepper, and cocoa powder. The mid-palate shows alcoholic warmth and roundedness, while the tannins and acidity are noticeable, adding to the wine’s overall harmony.”

2008 Castello di Pomino Pomino Bianco DOC “Benefizio”
“Pomino Bianco appears a sparkling straw yellow, beguiling and rich. A dense florality is first to emerge on the nose, with hedgerow then yielding to apple, pear, and peach. The final impressions are of a delicate, earthy minerality suggestive of the lofty hill of Pomino. The palate lays out an impressive savouriness complemented nicely by a crisp acidity, and crowned by a citrus-infused finish. This is a refreshing, very delicate wine, with a long-lingering finish.”

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