I picked up a $4 bottle of Sangiovese at Trader Joes last weekend, that I'd not tried before: Il Valore Sangiovese Giovane 2008, Marchese De Petri, Puglia Indicazione Geographfica Tipica. It was imported by Americal Beverage Group, San Clemente CA for Trader Joes. It did not even last 2 days, as "just one glass" was impossible, and with some spicy Thai food, a lunch of ham-and-swiss-and-romaine, and a bowl of Amy's Mexican casserole, it was great! A bit fruity, I disagree with the "cranberry" 2007 review I read - I've drank alot of cranberry juice and this did not resemble cranberries in the 2008 bottle I had. A 2004 review noted strawberries, and that's possible. It had berry flavor, but it's a red wine, so that's not unexpected.Now most Chianti's are made of about 95% Sangiovese, grown in Tuscany, so this heel wine (Puglia is the "heel" of the southern Italian peninsula) came as a surprise in being not Chianti-like at all, while being delicious. Again, goes to terroir and excellent government controls, providing low cost, very drinkable beverages to US consumers who desire it.
I don't know shit about wine. But I have a sentimental favorite Sangiovese (10% Merlot): Antinori Santa Cristina. Usually <$10/bottle and my fav. I-talian wine. It is pretty available, so try it sometime.
ReplyDeleteI have also enjoyed the Santa Christina, widely available in many groceries and at Trader Joes, and it IS very good. For 1/2 the price, this Il Valore Sangiovese is ALMOST as good, as far as inexpensive Italian wines are considered.
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