Check the Spotlight and Classes links to the right to find the entire new issue of Tim’s Grapevine online. For those who just can’t wait, check out two great Italian values below, from Tim.
The hardest area for me to find value in these days of the waning dollar, is in Tuscany. Most average, base level Chianti now sell for almost $20 and I struggle to find any reason to buy such wines. Below are two amazing little wines from a great vintage that both offer superb value.
2003 MONTELLORI Chianti ($11)
We have purchased other wines from this property before but never their Chianti. Good depth of color, shows the ripe side of Sangiovese in the nose, which is typical of 2003 vintage, with ripe raspberries, sour cherries and a note of dried clay. The feel in the mouth is lush for Chianti, has surprising weight with well integrated tannins. Drink over the next two to three years.
2003 ELIZABETTA GEPPETTI Micante “Super Tuscan” ($15)
A blend of seventy percent Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone) and thirty percent Cabernet Sauvignon and is produced from the coastal region of Tuscany, Maremma. This wine has saturated purple/garnet color and a nose that is sweet with black cherry preserves, black raspberry and a touch of dried plum. In the mouth this wine has surprising density, almost California like, with the dusty side of Sangiovese showing on the mid-palate. Will probably age nicely for up to five years.