It’s almost Friday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Weekly, I post two recommendations for your weekend wine choices which are usually under $20. For many of us, especially in the good ‘ole USA, we’ll be celebrating Columbus Day in a few days with a federal holiday on Monday and most likely some Italian-American parades. Whether you will honoring the alleged (oops!) discovery of America by Christopher Columbus with homemade lasagna, an antipasto platter, or fresh fish cooked the Italian way, these perfect wines sent to me as samples by Banfi Vintners will complement each dish and make you want to shout “Grazie”!
**San Angelo Pinot Grigio 2011– Interestingly enough, this wonderful 100% Pinot Grigio is not from your typical northern Italian climes with which you are familiar. It’s from the region of Tuscany and grapes are from the estate vineyard, Castello Banfi, in the southern hills of Montalcino, an area which offers a unique microclimate. The clear lemon color in the glass was beautiful and on the nose, I found citrus, apricots, and honey. This Pinot Grigio displayed soft acidity, a change from what would be expected in other wines of this variety. I loved the melt in your mouth tastes of pear, more citrus, a bit of floral, grass, and spice and with its perfect balance and full body, I will have this wine again and again. You, too, can enjoy this Pinot Grigio for around $23.
**BelnerO Toscana IGT 2010 – Another delicious wine (and yes, the O is capitalized…) from Castello Banfi, this is made from almost all Sangiovese grapes with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon added. One of my favorite grape varieties is Sangiovese and this wine didn’t disappoint! Aromas included sweet spice, vanilla, dark fruit, and even some coffee and prunes. After a few sips, I savored the tastes of cherries and black fruit. Such satisfying balance with integrated tannins, a warm, full mouthfeel and long finish was just what I needed with a roasted vegetable pizza. Mr. Grape Experiences exclaimed, “I don’t know how to describe this, but it’s good!” Perhaps Christopher Columbus felt the same way when he landed at Hispaniola! But whatever…you can purchase this go-to Sangiovese for an average price of $25.
Cheers to Italians and Americans everywhere…and two delicious wines! ~ Cindy
