Wine Type: Italian Red
Gladiator
Primitivo di Manduria 2004
This is Italy's Zinfandel - it has been recently proven that Primitivo is genetically identical to California's Zinfandel - however, it not only looks different on the vine, but it produces a leaner but no less juicy wine. Deeply colored and showing lots of sweet purple berry fruit.
- Price (bottle) ~ $35
‘Duca San Felice’
Librandi, Ciro Riserva 2001
- Price (bottle) ~ $31
Nero D’Avola, Vulcania
IGT Sicily 2005
A nice, fruity wine not unlike what you might call Italian 'shiraz' - a bit jammy and showing high alcohol but with an opulent texture, lots of fruit and low tannin. A good value wine that packs a crowd-pleasing punch.
- Price (bottle) ~ $32
Salice Salentino Riserva
Candido 2000
Varietal is Negroamaro, which for the most part produces cheap and cheerful wines with hot climate characteristics. You'll find this one will not disappoint, with interesting cedar notes and a pleasing core of red fruit that just screams to be consumed. And the price is oh so right.
- Price (bottle) ~ $29
Rosso ‘Ca del Merlo’
Guiseppe Quintarelli 1997
Essentially this is a Valpolicella, Ca del Merlo being a single vineyard designation. Quintarelli is regarded as the best of the Veneto, his Valpolicellas rivaling the quality of many Amarones from other producers. 1997 is lauded as the classic vintage of the past two decades - you do the math.
- Price (bottle) ~ $150
Amarone ‘Vaio Amaron’
Serego Alighieri 1999
- Price (bottle) ~ $110
Valpolicella Guiseppe Quintarelli
Classico Superiore 1998
The venerable Guiseppe Quintarelli makes the best wines the Veneto has to offer. His Amarones are sublime, though somewhat price-restrictive for us common folk. This is an excellent second choice at a much more acceptable price, though once you've experienced it you'll think you got a deal.
- Price (bottle) ~ $100
Amarone Tommasi
Tommasi 2001
- Price (bottle) ~ $85
Valpolicella Serego Alighieri
‘dell’ Anniversario 650 Anni’ 2000
- Price (bottle) ~ $50
Amarone della Valpolicella ‘I Castei’
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ‘I Castei
- Price (bottle) ~ $80
‘Palazzo della Torre’
Allegrini, IGT Veronese 2003
a blend of Corvina/Rondinella/Sangiovese, kind of a twist on the Amarone blend from a producer who knows Amarone. The well-rounded palate shows lots of meaty texture with complex flavors ranging from creosote to black licorice to grilled red plums. A story unfolding on your palate, worth a few minutes in the decanter to open it up a bit.
- Price (bottle) ~ $48
Rosso del Veronese Ripasso
‘Santo Stefano de La Cane’ Boscaini 1998
Ripasso denotes that the wine has been aged on the lees of the previous vintage. it is also a term used exclusively for Valpolicella, of which this is certainly one.
- Price (bottle) ~ $39
Raboso di Piave
Moletto 2001
- Price (bottle) ~ $39
Cabernet Sauvignon Tenuta S Anna
Lison Pramaggiore 2004
- Price (bottle) ~ $39
‘Solaia’, Antinori
IGT Toscano 2003
- Price (bottle) ~ $275
Merlot ‘Redigaffi’ Tua Rita
IGT Toscano 2005
- Price (bottle) ~ $385
‘Solaia’, Antinori
IGT Toscano 2001
- Price (bottle) ~ $250
‘Giusto di Notri’ Tua Rita
IGT Toscano 2005
- Price (bottle) ~ $175
Chianti Classico ‘Castello di Brolio’
Baron Ricasoli, 2001
Baron Ricasoli was responsible for 'inventing' Chianti Classico - that is, the recipe on which the DOCG is based. This carries a certain cachet, if you will, though one doesn't necessarily expect the wines to live up to the expectation. However, here is an exception - from an estate with large holdings, this is a 100% estate grown and bottled wine, a single vineyard of sorts, and even though not a reserva, is every bit as worthy of its hefty price tag. It's all elegance and finesse showing the pride of the Ricasoli heritage. Drink a cup of history.
- Price (bottle) ~ $125
‘Promis’ Ca’ Marcanda
Gaja, IGT Toscano 2001
Gaja is far better known for his pricey line of Barbarescos, but the Tuscan line from the Ca Marcanda property are well worth the drink. This one is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese, and with its modest price tag could be considered entry-level Gaja, but think of it more as pret-a-porter compared to couture - it's ready now, so best not to make it wait. Soft, jammy and supple with just a hint of austerity from the sangiovese.
- Price (bottle) ~ $155
Villa Poggio Salvi
Brunello di Montalcino 2000
Poggio Salvi is a Biondi-Santi owned property specializing in Brunello.
- Price (bottle) ~ $125
Tenuta Caparzo
Brunello di Montalcino 1999
- Price (bottle) ~ $110
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Pian della Vigne’
Antinori 2000
- Price (bottle) ~ $110
Sagrantino di Montefalco ‘Collepiano’
Arnaldo-Caprai 2000
- Price (bottle) ~ $100
‘Sassoalloro’ IGT Toscana
Jacopo Biondi-Santi 2001
Nice 100% Sangiovese grosso from a Brunello pioneer. LOVE this wine!
- Price (bottle) ~ $88
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Campogiovanni’
San Felice 1999
- Price (bottle) ~ $95
Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Clemente VII’
Castelli del Grevepesa 1999
- Price (bottle) ~ $70
Castello Volpaia
(Radda) Chianti Classico Riserva 2000
- Price (bottle) ~ $65