Produced by Azienda Agricola Valgiano, an agriturismo in the Pizzorne hills north-east of Lucca, the 2008 "Le Tese" (DOC Colline Lucchesi) appears to be a blend of approximately 85% Sangiovese and 15% Canaiola. Or Ciliegiolo. Or Merlot. Or Cabernet Sauvignon. I don't know...when it comes to Italian websites online-translators can only help so much. Where is Do Bianchi when I need him? No matter. One of the more expensive local wines to be had on the shelves of Enoteca Masser Ugo, on Via S. Andrea (just loved the ever so dapper proprietor), it was a bargain at €12.50 (about $17.00). I'd have to say that this vineyard designated wine is one of the most pleasantly delicious Sangiovese blends that I have ever had. I can almost imagine Pucchini, a native son of Lucca, quaffing a glass of this wine and perhaps being inspired by it whilst composing one of his operas...like La Rondine. Well, at least something similar, as I don't think Valgiano produced this wine back then. Great wine!
6 comments:
Vinogirl, Pucchini's sad, but elegant music, and a bottle of this wine sounds delightful on this sad night, or most any sad night. I'm not one of those optimistic Americans.
According to the site, it's most Sangiovese with some Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified in stainless steel aged in large cask:
http://www.agriturismovalgiano.com/schede-techiche-vini-doc-valgiano-lucca.htm
Cabernet Sauvignon, that old alpha male, can sometimes dominate the Sangiovese in blends like that. But if the acidity and character of Sangiovese manages to hold its own, such a blend can be great...
So glad you're drinking Italian! :)
And btw, I'm always here when you need. "Anytime at all... all you gotta do is call... and I'll be there..."
I'll pick up a couple for you in September! Do bianchi...Italian to the exclusion of nearly all others.
NHW: Sad night?
2B: Thank you!
Yes, now I see that it is Valgiano's basic red that has Ciliegiolo (and Moscato d’Amburgo) in the blend. The CS didn't overpower one bit.
Thud: I think it might be worth it, as it's a mere 2008-puppy, I think there is some aging potential there.
Gorgeous bottle too! (oops sorry amongst this company that sounds very shallow...)
ALW: Then I too must be shallow. I happen to think it's a very attractive label.
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