Outstanding Italian Wines, A Wine Event

Last month, we hosted a fabulous wine and food pairing event in our humble tasting room. Our special guests Francois Dufort and Guido Serio shared their wine, experience and much more. A special thanks goes to Elena Lucero, of Oz Wine Company, who helped coordinate the event.

Rocca Della Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2005

Dark rustic color that is garnet. Black cherry and tobacco on the nose with a medium-bodied richness in the mouth. The flavor is richer than expected- for a short-priced chianti as this. It finishes with a bright, tart puckery finish that (though sounds negative) I do not mean it that way- it's just young, and I'd recommend decanting.

Good Chianti 2007

Also by Casa Liliana. Mostly sangiovese with 10% canailolo. All stainless steel light-bodied, very dry with bright cherry and dark chocolate flavors, it is medium bodied. Dark ruby red. The scent is a little like lavender or thyme with lemon peel. Look for it in the store. Only $9.99!

Ruffino Chianti Superiore 2007

75% Sangiovese remainder, canailo nero, caberet sauvignon in merlot. 7 mos in stainless. Bright-cherry and a uncomplicated style. Good for the bbq, but not Italian enough for me.