I love Italian wine, but like so many consumers I’ve been burned. And it hurts. There is a dizzying array of Chianti to choose from and even many DOC and DOCG wines turn out to be thin and astringent. When a winner comes along, it all seems worth it and Donna Laura’s Ali Sangiovese is a definitive winner in taste and value.
The fruit flavors were predominantly red (strawberry and raspberry) with notes of anise, cinnamon and earth. The acidity is balanced, which is an asset as Sangiovese at its worst can have an overwhelming acidic quality. A velvety mouth feel and powdery tannins round out this wine and a slightly smoky finish kept me coming back for more. The kicker? The cost was only $11.99.
From Tuscany’s Classico region (“Classico” refers to the most central part or the heart of the region), Ali is comprised of 2 Sangiovese clones—F9 and CH-20. This is where my wine knowledge tapers off and science sets in to intimidate whatever side of my brain isn’t creatively dominated… You’ll have to look elsewhere for more specific information, but I can tell you this much: Ali Sangiovese is delicious!
Last night I fell in love with another red blend from Cote du Rhone. This wine is produced by Henri de Lanzac, vintage 2009, from Lirac on the Rhone’s right bank. Deep black fruits blend beautifully with spice. This is one of those that calls to mind the word “brambly”. The tannins are still grippy, but not overpowering. All this for under $20!
As it opened up, it had notes of blackcurrant, cinnamon, cherry, caramel (or maybe it was butter. There was a richness to the texture that I couldn’t quite place.), and a hint of smoke. It’s bottled on the premises at Chateau de Ségriès, and the care taken is evident.
Rhone blends have become a staple in our home. Since there are so many styles within the region, you always get something interesting and I almost always feel the quality is consistent with, or better than, the price point. Lirac blends are usually predominantly Grenache black, with Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre. They certainly know what works as they’ve been at it for over 2,000 years. For my money, I’m going with the experts.
More on Lirac.
Looking for a reason to celebrate a Wednesday? Look no further. We picked up this bottle of sparkling wine for $15 and it’s worth every penny. I typically see stores carrying it for around $20 and I think that’s fair (the internet tells me “from $12” but I’ve never seen it that low), but…
