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$34.95
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WA 90
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $40.00
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90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$40 list] The 2008 Gattinara caresses the palate with sweet red cherries, herbs, tobacco and anise, all in a medium-bodied style that is highly appealing. There is plenty of 2008 vibrancy and freshness in the glass. This is a terrific showing from Antoniolo, and a great introduction to Gattinara. The 2008 is also unusually polished for this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Oct 2012)"
Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "For the last 15 years, Alberto Antoniolo has been the tireless creator of distinctive Gattinaras that have breathed new life not only into this designation but also the entire wine production of the area... The merit of their success, which crowned work begun in 1948, lies clearly in their search for perfection in every label, but they are greatly helped by their vineyards, some of the best in the entire area... (2013)"
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$14.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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From Sardinia. Varietals: Cannonau (Grenache), Bovale Sardo, Carignan. Intense ruby red with garnet tinges. Intensely vinous aromas, typical of Cannonau. Warm, well-rounded, well-structured and excellently balanced.
2009 vintage rated 91 points by Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The estate’s 2009 Isola dei Nuraghi Costera flows from the glass with layers of exquisitely perfumed fruit buttressed by fine, silky tannins. There is an element of pure elegance and refinement that is hard to do justice to with words. This is another terrific red from Argiolas. Costera is a blend of 90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014."
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$21.95
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WS 90
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] A firm, compact red, featuring plenty of ripe wild cherry and blackberry notes that slowly reveal hints of pine, ash and tobacco. Displays the rugged nature of the region. Drink now through 2018. 2,500 cases made. (1/16/13)"
Jancis Robinson: "Bisceglia, Gudarrà 2008 Aglianico del Vulture is... made from another of my favourite grape varieties Aglianico and grown on the volcanic soils of Basilicata... It is also unusually mature for a wine in commercial circulation... Aglianico has a wonderful combination of structure and fruit, though it ripens late and can be grown only in relatively warm climates. The grapes for this wine were not picked until late October, and were picked by hand. After a 10-day fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in new barriques. Gudarrà, the name of their top bottling (which has won several three-glass awards in Italy), derives from a local word for 'enjoy', which chimes well with me... Alc 14.0%, TA 5.6g/l, pH 3.57, RS 2.0g/l... The 2008 is very dark and dramatic-looking and from the very first taste you know that a lot of that lovely summer sunshine is trapped in this bottle... this wine is already attractively mature and supple... I recommend that you take advantage of this well-priced wine that has a certain volcanic smokiness and real complexity about it. It carries its alcohol extremely well. A southern Italian for claret lovers? (6/22/12)"
Producer notes: "Gudarrà is deep ruby-red in color with enticing notes of red cherries, cassis, blackberries, sweet spice and a hint of licorice. This is an accessible, versatile red that pairs beautifully with southern Italian Pasta dishes, lamb, grilled or roasted game and ripe, flavorful cheeses."
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$13.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Not yet reviewed; 2008 vintage rated 90 points by Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Aglianico del Vulture Terra di Vulcano is a gem. It reveals gorgeous textural richness that belies its elevage in stainless steel. There is plenty of varietal and regional character in this beautifully balanced, stylish Aglianico. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014."
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$44.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "A selection from our oldest vineyards (over 50 years of age), 'U Baccan' ('the boss' in our dialect) shows the potential of the Pigato grapes to create a wine of great personality and ageworthiness. Intense yellow hay color with golden reflections. Complex and elegant nose with aromas of herbs (sage, thyme), ripe yellow pulp fruits (peaches, apricots, grapefruit skin), and linden honey with notes of silicon. In the mouth it is full, balsamic with adequate acidity and minerality that accentuates with age. Suggested pairings: Structured fish dishes, crustaceans, tuna, stockfish, rabbit and white meats."
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$26.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Intense yellow hay color with green reflections. Broad aromas, including fruits (yellow peach, apricot, cedar skin) aromatic herbs from the Mediterranean (sage, thyme, pine tree resin), elegant minerality. Full-bodied and fresh, with a light note of sour almond. Suggested pairings: fish dishes with aromatic herbs, pesto sauce, fish and vegetable ravioli, rabbit."
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$39.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Born from a project dedicated to the rediscovery of the Granaccia grape variety, a noble Ligurian variety resembling Grenache and cultivated together with small quantities of Syrah and Barbera. The 'Pulin' ('last born' in the local dialect) is a structured red wine with good aging capability and with strong Mediterranean characteristics. Intense red cherry color, elegant and complex aromas of candied red fruits, corbezzolo (Arbutus unedo), and tamarind marmalade, and sweet spice. Broad in the mouth, persistent with round and silky tannins. Suggested Pairings: goat and beans (typical dish of Western Liguria), meat ravioli, lamb, duck, stewed or roasted meats. With aging it is fit to be paired with seasoned cheeses."
Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2013).
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$15.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "100% Vermentino. The color is a brilliant straw yellow with light greenish reflections. Its fragrance is delicate but persistent, pleasantly fruity of apple with intense floral notes. Excellent as aperitif or particulary suitable with shellfishes, delicate appetizers, first dishes with light seasonings and boiled fishes or delicate meat roasts."
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$10.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock,
8
available
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This red wine is from two different vineyard sites: Collecorvino and Atri. Both are located in Loreto Aprutino in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The vineyards have a southeast exposure with a tuffaceous soil (a light, volcanic soil). The vines are approximately 8 years old at an elevation of 750 feet. The Sunnae is fermented in stainless steel tanks before bottling. Try with salami.
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$10.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock,
2
available
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Producer notes: "Montepulciano 70%, Sangiovese 30%. Bright ruby color, lively, young yet intense, an aroma that evolves into a floral flavor, a full-bodied, fresh vinously creamy treat. Rosso Piceno combines the pleasures of the freshness, flavor and delightfulness of a youthful wine with the complex structure of a fuller red. It is dedicated to those who wish to savor the bouquet of an extraordinarily light, classic red wine that evades the seriousness of fuller-bodied, barrel-aged wines."
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$9.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Dry and mellow wine, with a bright red colour, fresh and fruity bouquet with a hint of violet and red berries and a trace of leather. Ideal with hors d’oeuvres, starters, game, meats and cheeses." From the Molise region of south-central Italy.
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$8.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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$13.95
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IWC 88
Italy
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Other
In stock,
1
available
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88 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Good bright ruby-red. Balsamic herbs, clove, and chocolate-covered cherries on the nose. Sweet and supple on entry, then rich and layered in the middle, with herbal dark cherry and sweet spice flavors given definition by lively acidity. Finishes long...with a restrained sweetness... (Mar/Apr 2011)"
Importer notes: "Aglianico is the best known 'big red' grape in southern Italy, and there are two places where it grows particularly well -- Taurasi in Campania and Monte Vulture in Basilicata. The areas are less than two hours from each other, both are volcanic in geology, and both produce magnificent red wines, amongst the most age-worthy in Italy (or anywhere else, for that matter). Grifalco is an excellent producer of Aglianico del Vulture, and is owned by the Piccin family, who were originally wine producers in Tuscany but decided that southern Italy, Basilicata in particular, was more promising. 'Gricos' is 100% Aglianico (vine age: 15 year) estate-grown in four different vineyards. Vinification: Destemming and soft crushing, fermentatin for 10-12 days in steel. Ageing: 50% aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months; the other 50% in steel. Certified Organic. Production: 2,500 cases."
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$54.95
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WA 92
WS 92
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $74.00
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92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$74 list] The 2008 Vintage Tunina is terrific. The wine’s trademark expansive bouquet and generous fruit are beautifully balanced by a vein of minerality that is the hallmark of this cool year. All of the elements come together beautifully in the glass as the 2008 Vintage Tunina shows off layers of succulent peaches, pears, apricots, flowers and mint, along with hints of sweetness from the late-harvested fruit that is such a big component of the wine’s signature style. Vintage Tunina is Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana and Picolit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Feb 2011)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$74 list] Dry and smoky, this is enriched by a hint of crystallized honey that accents flavors of spiced apple, apricot gelée, salted butter and toasted brioche. Well-balanced, with a lovely texture and a lingering, minerally finish. Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana and Picolit. Drink now through 2016. (6/30/12)"
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$10.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock,
4
available
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Producer notes: "Cirò Rosso offers a delightful bouquet of spice, dried fruit, wild berries and plums. Excellent texture and firm, ripe tannins are hallmark attributes of this wine. Incredibly rich and easy-going, Ciró Rosso is the wine of choice for spicy meat dishes, roasted baby goat or lamb, and roasted meat with peppers. Librandi is located in Cirò Marina, a small town in the southern Italian region of Calabria (Italy’s boot tip), on the splendid Ionian coastline. The soil in this area is naturally suited for grape growing, and the geographic position, located between the sea and the Sila Mountains, guarantees an excellent balance between day and nightime temperatures."
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$16.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "A blend of Negroamaro, Nero d'Avola, Barbera, and native varietals from Puglia. Revealing an attractive color spectrum of crimson and scarlet with a slight magenta band on the rim, the wine explodes with aromas of macerated raspberries, dried lavender, plum tart, and toasty oak accents. The palate is immediately hit with super lush flavors of ripe berries and spice, supported with a dense core that has just the right amount of characteristic acidity. The tannins are already velvety and soft which provide for a lingering finish with hints of minerality and some herbal notes. Barrel aged 10 months prior to release. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$13.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Gallura is a peninsula on the northeast corner of the island of Sardinia that specializes in Vermentino (the grape is also grown on the coast of mainland Italy, on Corsica and in the south of France under the name Rolle). Mancini's version of the grape is very fresh and forward, made with no oak or malolactic fermentation, just grape juice fermented at low temperature in stainless steel for the aromas. Pale yellow color; aroma of peach, tangerine and herbs; medium-weight in the mouth, with bright acidity; very clean, good length, finishes with a touch of tangerine. Drink either as an aperitif or with seafood (prawns with pasta).
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$13.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Gallura is a peninsula on the northeast corner of the island of Sardinia that specializes in Vermentino (the grape is also grown on the coast of mainland Italy, on Corsica and in the south of France under the name Rolle). Mancini's version of the grape is very fresh and forward, made with no oak or malolactic fermentation, just grape juice fermented at low temperature in stainless steel for the aromas. Pale yellow color; aroma of peach, tangerine and herbs; medium-weight in the mouth, with bright acidity; very clean, good length, finishes with a touch of tangerine. Drink either as an aperitif or with seafood (prawns with pasta).
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$9.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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Big and robust with some Italian country roughness that makes it very food friendly. Spice, ripe black fruit and plum aromas carry through to the palate.
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$14.95
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JS 90
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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90 points James Suckling: "Lots of roses and crushed dark berries on the nose. Very perfumed. Medium to full body with well-integrated finish and a citrusy aftertaste. Drink now. (1/18/13)"
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$26.95
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WS 92
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $34.00
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92 points Wine Spectator: "[$34 list] The dense, racy flavors of raspberry ganache are finely textured, with tobacco and pleasant herbal undertones. Powerful yet graceful, in need of decanting or short-term cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2020. (4/30/13)"
Producer notes: "A modern blend made primarily from the Carignano grape. First released in the 2002 vintage. Matured 18 months in French barrels and 6 months in bottle. Deep ruby in color, the wine offers intense aromas and flavors of black fruit, dry herbs and spice. It is full-bodied with a velvety texture and balanced tannins, ending in a lengthy, elegant finish."
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$13.95
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W&S 86
Italy
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Other
In stock,
5
available
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86 points Wine & Spirits: "All primary fruit, this grapey red is clean and lean, needing air to add some fleshiness and richness to the flavor. For salumi. (Jun 2012)"
Wine Spectator: "A fresh, medium-bodied red with firm plum and black currant fruit, spice and tobacco notes. Drink now. (2012)"
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$26.95
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WA 89
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$29 list] The 2005 Alghero Tanca Farra (50% Cannonau, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon) emerges from the glass with an enticing, delicate bouquet of sweet herbs, spices and wild flowers. This is a beautiful, if somewhat understated, Tanca Farra with gorgeous delineation in its fruit and outstanding overall balance. Sweet tobacco and licorice add further dimensions of complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Jun 2010)"
Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "It is not always true that you can't combine serious numbers with high quality and excellent results. Look at the work of Sella & Mosca, the long-standing Alghero estate that is now part of the Campari empire... The broad range of wines... always offers excellent value for money... Alghero Tanca Farrà [is] a beautifully typed floral mix of cannonau and cabernet. (2010)"
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$26.95
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W&S 93
Italy
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Other
In stock,
5
available
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List $34.00
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93 points and 'Top 100 Wines of 2012,' Wine & Spirits: "[$34 list] If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to the scent of your neighbor’s grill when a steak sizzles over the coals, open this wine and tell me if it doesn’t have a similar appetite-inducing appeal. Grown in granitic soils and vinified without oak, it’s lean, the succulent red fruit essence hinting at beach rose, blackberries and underbrush, with the sort of spices usually reserved for a meat rub. This is delicious, a summer red to share with your next grilled steak. (Jun 2012)"
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$7.95
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FWR 87
Italy
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Other
In stock,
1
available
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List $9.00
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87 points Fine Wine Review: "[$9 list] This cooperative wine delivers all that you could want: it is dark, fruity, medium-weight, and stylish. Complexity may not be its strong suit, but there’s enough here, especially with substantial aging, to cause you to think much, much higher on the prestige list if served this wine blind. 13.5% stated alcohol. (Issue #134; 2011)"
Importer notes: "Montepulciano makes some famous top-end big reds here in the Abruzzo, but the variety also makes amazingly good inexpensive red wine, far better than comparable Sangiovese. Aromas and flavors of black plum, black cherry, herbs, and black olives surround a wonderful meaty texture, with enough chewiness to make the wine stand up to food. This is the ideal 'spaghetti red,' at a price that will bring a smile to your face every time you open a bottle."
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