This isn’t one of Antinori’s cheaper bottlings, but this Sangiovese blend with 10 percent Merlot and Syrah is a great wine for the price. Deeply-hued like black plums, it offers well balanced flavors of brambly blackberries, black cherries, and plums. The subtle notes of leather, spice, herbs, and dark chocolate give it intense character. It’s low in alcohol but it’s a bold wine, perfect for pairing with hearty pastas with a mushroom or sausage ragù, fully-loaded pizza, lasagna, grilled steak, or lamb osso buco. It’s available at BevMo! in SLO for $24.99.
This article appears in Mar 29 – Apr 5, 2012.
