Villa Zarri 1991 23yo

Villa Zarri 1991 23yo

Brandy: Stravecchio
From: Emilia Romagna
House: Villa Zarri
Style: Single distillery, single vintage
Colour: Copper amber
ABV: 45%

N: Orange peel, red grapes, honeydew melons, pear drops, watermelon skin.

M: Light body, loosens, astringent, tingly.

T: Bitter sweet. Shortcrust pastry, orange blossom honey, orange peel, raisins, watermelon skin, cinnamon, hints of camphor.

F: Long. Orange peel, peaches, honeydew melon, cinnamon.

Comments:

This brandy is... different. It's got far less body than say a cognac of equivalent age, managing somehow to remain light and even airy on the tongue. But the flavours are complex and intense, with plenty of citrus and honey, with something grassy and herbal - let's say watermelon skin. It then eases out slowly and gradually, with a lovely sweet finish with a hint of spice.

Villa Zarri is another vineyard in Emilia Romagna that mostly makes wine, but also makes brandy with its best grapes. I really enjoyed this - it's almost as if brandy is a side hustle in Italy and Spain, and is made with verve and love, tasting truly excellent. Let's call this one magnificent, at least for my palate.

Verdict:

Magnificent.