Good couple of wines at an Italian place

[jal]

The toughest reservation in Sarasota: Marcello in a strip mall on Route 41, where the food is delicious and the wine list is fantastic.

Four diners, and we stayed away from pasta dishes, but the look of them at other tables almost makes me rethink the gluten sensitivity. The food looked and smelled great.

With some appetizers; Caesar salad (no croutons), grilled octopus and beef carpaccio we ordered a stunning 2015 Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello. This has great aromatics, a nice ruby color, a little tannic but the fruit is bright and pure, dominated by cherries. I loved the softness and the sweetness all balanced with minerality, a little acidity and a really long finish. 95

With a tomahawk ribeye and a duck breast, we continued with a 2011 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate, a lighter color than the Brunello, I am not crazy about the nose at first, as it shows some stewed fruit, but that quickly dissipates, the wine is completely ready to drink, with a light color, sweet fruit and good balance and depth, others liked it more than me, I would have loved it on own but I think it was overshadowed by the Salvioni. 91

[JCNorthway]

The restaurant sounds great, Jacques. I'll have to remember that if we are ever in Sarasota (we have acquaintances who moved there a few years back).

I've really enjoyed the few 2015 Brunellos I have drunk. They tend to drink well on the young side, with lots of fresh fruit and moderate tannins to support the fruit.

[jal]

Let us know if you come to town, Jon. It will be great to see you guys.

[jckba]

Nicely done Jacques and I really don’t think you can ever go wrong with ordering Salvioni off the list in an Italian restaurant.

[jal]

You are right JC, nothing beats Salvioni, the price off the list was fair, just 15% above retail.

[JimHow]

Sounds like a great night.
Looking forward to some relaxation in the warmer climes.