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Wines
of the Week: Great Buys for Italian Night
So
you didn't make it to Italy again this summer. Well, there's
always next year, right? No matter, you can still enjoy some
of the country's gifts to us with a wonderful spread of Italian
fare and, most importantly, good wine for a nice price. Cheers
and enjoy!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Monsanto
2014 Chianti Classico Reserva
Winery:
Monsanto
Grape(s): 90%
Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and Colorino.
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
One is hit by aromas of tart red cherries and red currants,
along with accents of mint and spice on the nose. The
lively red fruit returns on that palate, highlighting
cherry and red plum, and then hints of fresh herbs and
spice follow. Rather smooth, with polished tannins, but
still dry, quite bright, and layered, it's ideal for a
classic Titania dish, like puttanesca.
Rating: 90 |
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Gagliole
2015 Chianti Classico
Winery:
Gagliole
Grape(s): 90%
Sangiovese & 10% Merlot
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-2-
Review:
The nose brings together aromas of cherries and plums
with accents of rose petal and tobacco leaf. Flavors of
bing cherry and plum combine with elements of floral earth,
tobacco, and herbs on the palate. Polish tannins and nice
layers make this a stand out wine for the price.
Rating: 91 |
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Cantina
Zaccagnini 2015 Montepulciano d' Abruzzo
Winery:
Cantina Zaccagnini
Grape(s): 100%
Montepulciano
Region: Bolognana,
Italy
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Dried cherries and plums play among expressions of leather
and vanilla on the nose. Plush tannins frame flavors of
tart cherry and red plum that flow into elements of leather,
vanilla, and spring flowers on the palate. This offers
solid character for under $15.
Rating: 89 |
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Cala
De Poeti I.G.T. 2017 Pinot Grigio
Winery:
Cala De Poeti
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Grigio
Region: Italy
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 5-10
Review:
Apples, nectarines, and melons dominate on the nose. The
palate offers flavors of green apple, melon, and nectarine,
along with hints of minerals. Quite friendly and not overly
dry, it's a good buy for the price.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
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