One of my favorite wine regions in the world is Tuscany, Italy, the home of, among others, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Carmignano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Morellino di Scansano. Perhaps the reason Tuscan wines tug at my heartstrings is all the Sangiovese flowing. Sangiovese-based wines tend to be high in acidity, yet tempered with tannins, and bursting with ripe cherry fruit; all these elements combine to create a wine that matches perfectly with all kinds of foods.
As such, I’m always on the lookout for a solid, Sangiovese-based, Tuscan wine — and am a sucker for one that retails around ten bucks. So, when I saw this bottle from Badia a Coltibuono, I made a quick snatch from the shelf and ran to the register.
One whiff of Cancelli greets you with attractive red berry, black cherry, and earthy aromas. Hints of menthol and spice add to a lovely, complex nose. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, as flavors of black cherry, black raspberry dominate. Mild, sweet earth components round out the palate. The texture is smooth, almost silky; surprising for a ten-dollar wine. Acidity is mild to medium, but lower than expected from a Tuscan Sangiovese-based wine. Tannins are also mild. Overall it is well-balanced with a pleasant finish. Interesting on its own, it may not have the acidity to match with cheesy dishes, but will do fine with white meats, meaty fish, and meatless marinara sauce.
This wine is a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Syrah, an unusual mix for Tuscany. Badia a Coltibuono does not bottle a bad wine; you will always receive quality commensurate to the dollars you spend on this brand (a ten-dollar wine will taste like it should cost ten bucks, and a 30-dollar bottle will not disappoint for the amount you’re shelling out). A truly enjoyable wine, soft yet structured, fruity yet earthy. A smash hit for Coltibuono and an Everyday Wine for the dinner table.
a-8 t-8 b-8 fc-8 v-9 ~ 91 Points
