Winebow isn’t a name I expect you have ever heard of, but you’ve surely consumed its wines: The company is the largest importer of Italian wines in America, and as such it has the volume to be able to put on an event where it pours its Italian offerings… and nothing else. (Winebow also represents wines from many other regions, plus spirits.)

With some wildly rare and expensive wines, this was certainly an event not to miss, but there was nothing here to compare with Prunotto’s northern Italian lineup, a range of outstanding Brunellos and Barbarescos where each seemed to be better than the last. Tasting notes follow: First wines, then grappa. Prices noted are wholesale list price per bottle.

Tasting Report: Winebow’s Vini D’Italia, June 2011

2007 Allegrini Amarone Classico / $67 / A- / approachable

2004 Allegrini La Poja / $67 / A- / fruitier

2009 Allegrini Soave / $13 / A-

2006 San Polo Brunello di Montalcino / $65 / A-

2004 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli / $111 / B+ / very dried fruit character

2004 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino / $59 / B+ / herbal

2006 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino / $55 / A

2006 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico / $16 / B- / heavy tannin

2007 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico / $16 / C+

2006 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo / $29 / B-

2003 Castello di Bossi Garolamo / $52 / B-

2004 Castello di Bossi Corbaia / $52 / B

2005 Falesco Marciliano Cabernet Sauvignon / $40 / B+ / big herbs, especially on the nose

2006 Falesco Sagrantino di Montefalco / $42 / B- / nose is off

2010 Falesco Est! Est!! Est!!! Di Montefiascone / $8 / B

2009 Franz Haas Pinot Nero / $42 / B

2009 Kris Pinot Noir / $11 / B-

2004 Leone de Castris Donna Lisa Salice Salentino Riserva / $40 / B+

2005 Leone de Castris Donna Lisa Salice Salentino Riserva / $40 / A / great balance

2008 Maculan Palazzotto Cabernet Sauvignon / $26 / A- / very soft

2007 Maculan Fratta / $83 / A / lush, intense

2004 Prunotto Barolo Bussia / $73 / A-

2005 Prunotto Barolo Bussia / $85 / A

2006 Prunotto Barbaresco Bric Turot / $63 / A-

2006 Prunotto Barbaresco Classico / $42 / A-

2005 Prunotto Barolo / $46 / B+ / strawberry notes

2006 Prunotto Barolo / $46 / B / sunny

2006 Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico / $55 / B+ / huge fruit

2005 Zenato Cresasso / $63 / A- / sweet licorice notes, fun

2005 Tasca D’Almerita Rosso del Conte / $56 / B+ / over-jammed

2005 Tua Rita Giusto di Notri / $77 / C+ / tight

2006 Tua Rita Perlato del Bosco / $39 / B

2007 Tua Rita Syrah / $188 / A- / great balance

2007 Tua Rita Redigaffi / $260 / A

Grappa

Poli Jacopo Moscato / $60 (375ml) / B+

Poli Jacopo Torcolato / $60 (375ml) / A-

Poli Po Moscato / $48 / B-

Poli Po Pino / $48 / B+

Poli Po Traminer / $48 / B

Poli Sarpa / $48 / B+

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