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!
