I am not an expert, just a discerning wine lover or amateur de vin (as the French say), but everyone has a different palate, likes and dislikes so it must be understood that any of my recommendations are personal. I just hope that you find them useful or at the very least - interesting. I also hope you enjoy my photos. It is more fun sharing then keeping them backed up on a hard drive.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Beat the early winter blues with a virtual trip to Italy's wine country

Here it is the eve of the end of another month and I am frantically writing my blog. I don't know how I got from once a week to sliding in one post a month. I have mused about too tight a focus; only writing about wines that are great value for money but reflection will be for the new year. Right now I will focus on the lead up to the holidays and crowd pleasing wines that won't break the bank.

Speaking of banks, I have had a lot of expenses and fear I will not be travelling for a while. I decided to armchair travel this winter through wine. This week to Italy; two different regions, styles of wine but both great values.

FRASCOLE CHIANTI RUFINA - 2009 - CHIANTI, ITALY - $16.95
Earthy nose of cherry, balsamic and herbs. Rich, mouthfilling and medium bodied palate, with dried cherry fruit, spice and black tea finish. Food friendly.

http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?itemNumber=085167
http://www.frascole.it/chianti-rufina-frascole.php

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA - 2008 - SARDINIA,  ITALY - $15.95
Cannonau known to most as Grenache. Medium bodied with baked plum, coffee and spice on the nose. There is cherry fruit and some dry herbs on the palate. Pleasing length.

http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=425488