Let’s face it, it would be wonderful to drink Brunello, Barolo and Super Tuscans every day, but unless your disposable income is of an elite nature, this likely isn’t realistic.
Over the weekend, I was able to try two nice Tuscans that clock in under $20. Solid wines both, that can be purchased without breaking the bank.
The first example was a Rosso di Montalcino from Castello Banfi. I’ve previously written about the 2009 and 2010 version of this very wine. The 2011 Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino is not yet available at retail having only just arrived in the US. Over the coming months, it will start to trickle out to retailers.
The wine is bright ruby in the glass with a pretty copper like hue at the rim. Delicate aromas of freshly cut flowers, raspberries and spices are easily coaxed from the glass. On the palate, the wine exhibits wonderful youthful vibrance. The freshness is noticeable. Raspberries, spice, fresh herbs are all present with good concentration. Balanced well and easy going, this is a great foil for a variety of foods. In fact, this was enjoyed simply with olives, reggiano, and rosemary scented prosciutto cotto. Not as masculine as the previous two vintages, but more elegant and feminine. I recently saw the 2010 version of this on sale for $17. 88 points. Disclosure: This bottle was an importer provided sample.
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| ~ 2011 Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino ~ |
The next noteworthy wine is produced by a friend of mine, the lovely Sara Pedrali, family proprietor at Petra in Suvereto. Fattoria Petra makes a monster of a Merlot called Quercegobbe, among others, but this wine provides a nice introduction to the overall style of the estate.
The 2009 Petra Zingari is as whimsical as the label suggests. This is a blend of 25% Syrah, 25% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Petit Verdot. As a result, it’s a rather “generic” rosso, but I don’t mean that to be derogatory. Just that nothing seems to dominate here. In the glass, the wine is a medium ruby to light purple color. The nose displays pretty aromas of cherry, spice, smoke and fresh herbs. On the palate the wine is medium bodied, with a nice core of red fruits supported by good acid structure. Flavors mostly follow the nose and the tannin weight is minimal – this isn’t one for the cellar. Drink and enjoy now with hearty tomato based fare. This paired nicely with black linguine & shrimp in a spicy marinara sauce.
87 points, about $12.
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| ~ Petra Zingari is equal parts: Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, & Petit Verdot from the Tuscan Coastal area near Suvereto ~ |
Allora…
I will have to keep my eyes open for Petra Zingari.