Recommendation: Good Italian Super Tuscany that’s priced correctly.
Winery/Producer: Bottled by: Ruffino; Pontassieve, Italy.
Grape Variety: Blend: 55% Sangiovese, 25% Syrah and 20% Merlot.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Toccana; Tuscany, Italy.
Vintage: 2012
Price: $16.27 with a 30% mixed 6-pack discount.
Purchased From: Ralph’s Grocery Store; Agoura Hills, California.
Paired With: Pulled smoked pork on bun and coleslaw.
Tasting:
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He said: Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, inky dark garnet color with a light purple/red rim. LOTS of damp earth, barnyard and hints of tobacco in the aroma. Smooth, slightly mouth puckering and dusty mineral mouth-feel; dry, ripe dark fruit taste that gets drier and drier through the long finish. A potent Sangiovese blend that paired very well with the BBQ pork and was delicious sipping after the dinner. An Italian red I would easily recommend at the $16 price point. I especially liked the brawny bouquet, weighty body and depth of flavors that the Syrah and Merlot added to the blend. Good Italian Super Tuscany that’s priced correctly.
She said: Very dark garnet color, almost black opaque with lots of thin evenly spaced well moving legs. The barnyard aroma immediately attracted me and followed through to the palate. It was accompanied by a dry medium-body and long finish that had nicely structured tannins. The wine went well with the pork and was delicious sipping after dinner. Although not quite in our bargain category (under $15) it’s a good value and I would recommend it and buy it again.
Alcohol: 13%
UPC Code: 0 83085 90331 2
Imported by: Ruffino Import Company; Rutherford, California.
Photo from Ruffino.