Marchesi Antinori Tignanello
The Antinori family has been making wine in Italy for 26 generations. The family's first encounter with wine dates back to 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Guild of Wine Merchants to make the best use of the family's country properties in Valdarno, around Florence.
Antinori's flagship wine, Tignanello, aided in the creation of the monicker "Supertuscan" in reference to red wines made in Tuscany of non-native grape varieties. Tignanello is made with a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grown on a very small single vineyard of 47 hectares (120 acres) in the heart of Tuscany.
The 2008 Tignanello is characterized by "its intense ruby red color, its important aromatic concentration, its notes of ripe red fruit and jam accompanied by spice, vanilla, and liquorice. The palate is distinguished by a dense and elegant texture sustained by the vibrant acidity of the Sangiovese, by tannins of a lovely suppleness, and by an extremely long and lingering finish."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated this wine 94 points and had this to say:
"Black cherries, tobacco, smoke and licorice are some of the notes that come through on the finish. The flavor profile is decidedly on the dark side, but the wine's structure is medium in body and intensity. It is a fabulous achievement!"
$99.99
Rodano Chianti Classico Riserva 'Viacosta' 2004
Tuscany's 2004 vintage produced some stellar and age worthy Sangiovese. The Rodano Chianti Classico Riserva is an excellent expression of Tuscany's most noble grape variety. Earthy aromas of barnyard and young leather mingle with bright red cherry fruit. Hints of tobacco and dark licorice are also present. The tannins are grippy and textured with high acidity, making this a great accompaniment to rich beef dishes such as Bistecca Fiorentina. This wine is just now coming to maturity, but is age worthy for at least another 10 years.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine 91 points.
According to Robert Parker:
"The 2004 Chainti Classico Riserva Viacosta is a big, rich wine that is starting to show lovely complexity in its aromas and flavors. Leather, sweet spices, licorice and tobacco are some of the nuances that add personality to the fruit. Some rough edges remain, but the wine should be beautiful at the dinner table. This is an excellent value for readers looking for a wine with a few years of bottle age. Rodano gave the Viacosta 20 months in large, neutral oak barrels. Anticipated maturity 2012-2024."
$36.99
Ca' del Sarto 'Ardente'
We just love finding inexpensive wines that over-deliver! Veteran Denver restaurateur, Blair Taylor, has scoured the Italian countryside in search of fun, delicious, and affordable wines to import. 'Ardente' is the latest edition to an expanding portfolio.
This Tuscan red blend delivers deep and dark aromas of black fruit and amarena cherries. The wine is weighty on the palate with texture and grip, and offers the unmistakable flavor of cocao.
For you lovers out there, you'll be pleased to know that 'Ardente' translates to: fiery; aglow; burning hot; filled with strong emotion.
On promotion for only $9.99!
