Everyone loves a good wine at an affordable price. For most wine lovers, that wallet friendly sweet spot is around $15 and the good news is that you can find a delicious wine that pairs with a favorite meal, your brilliant conversational skills with friends, the book group (who only talks about the book for a few seconds before finishing a bottle), or a scandalous movie. If you appreciate wines from Italy (who doesn’t?) I found two perfectly lovely choices from the regions of Lazio and Tuscany, sent to me as samples. Each is well priced and expresses characteristics from their fascinating region of the world. Enjoy!
Fontana Candida Terre dei Grifi 2013 Frascati DOC
One of the most ancient wines in Italy, the region of Lazio is steeped with culture and history. Centuries ago, Marcus Porcius Cato the Elder outlined the manner of viticulture and wine production of the region and its wines were exported throughout the country. Frascati was often called “the wine of the popes and of the people”. Although the popes indulged in their Frascati on a daily basis, others imbibed only on Vatican occasions. Thanks to the elections of Pope Innocent X and Clement X, the “fountains, the marble nostrils of Marcus Aurelius’ horse and the lions of the Capitol in Rome spouted Frascati”. As you can imagine, Roman citizens rushed to fill their cups with this wonderful wine!
Located south and east of Rome, volcanic earth, rolling hills, and a Mediterranean climate are elements that enhance vineyard growth. The Fontana Candida Terre dei Grifi 2013 (sample) is from the production area that falls within the municipalities of Frascati, Grottaferrata, and Monte Porzio Catone, a portion of Monte Compatri and Rome. Composed of a blend of 50% Malvasia Bianca di Candia, 30% Trebbiano Toscano, 10% Greco, and 10% Malvasia del Lazio, refreshing aromas bursting with pear, melon, honey, floral notes and minerality were enticing. On the palate, I found high acidity, more melon and pear, creamy, soft undertones, and a zesty finish with a hint of almonds. You will love this dry wine with a fresh, Caesar Salad, spicy Asian dishes, as an aperitif, or, like me, baked Coho salmon with lemon and capers atop a bed of angel hair pasta. Cost is $13.
Banfi Tuscany Chianti Classico DOCG 2012
Chianti has come a long way since those straw wrapped bottles of the 60s and 70s! It is Italy’s most exported wine and the range of quality is enormous since up to 20% of other varieties are allowed in the blend. Chianti Classico DOCG is from vineyards of calcareous clay and is located between Florence and Sienna, beautiful areas to visit if you’ve never had the opportunity to do so.
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Canaiolo Nero are blended to create the lip smacking Banfi Tuscany Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 (sample). Fresh cherries, lavender, juicy plums, minerality, and touch of spice greeted my nose. On the palate, intense flavors of cherries, herbs, sun dried tomatoes, and vanilla were lifted by medium tannins and bright acidity. The finish was lasting and delicious especially with our supper featuring roasted carrots with olive oil and balsamic. Cost is $14.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
