Recommendation: Wine in a box that’s both quality and a bargain.
Winery/Producer: Carussin; San Marzano Oliveto, Italy.
Grape Variety: Barbera
Geographic Region, Appellation: Barbera D’Asti, Piedmont, Italy
Vintage: 2012
Price: $16.20 (with a 10% discount) and $28.00 purchased in 3 L. box.
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Paired With: Grilled chicken, sweet potatoes and peas
Tasting:
He said: Decanted one hour before drinking. Clear, dark ruby red color. Strong red berry aromas. Very intense red current taste, strong bright acidity and nice dryness. The finish was tart with strong (slightly sour) current and red berry flavors. This went very well with the grilled flavors of the chicken but was just OK when drinking alone. At the $16.20 bottle price it’s good; but this wine is also available in a 3 L. box and at the $28.00 box price (the equivalent of $7.00/bottle) it’s a GREAT buy.
She said: Ray decanted this wine to ensure its optimum mellowness. And mellow it was. The aroma complemented the scent of the grilled chicken but led to a less spectacular taste and light body. The finish was OK but not noteworthy. Not a bargain at $16.20, but it is a bargain when bought in a 3 L. box.
Comments: We purchased this wine in both bottles and boxes, and at the box price it’s a steal-of-a-deal. So if you can get over the idea of purchasing four bottles of wine in a box, this one is clearly in our Quality wine at a Bargain price category.
Alcohol:12%
Bar code: 8 58162 00425 7
Imported by: Piedmont Wine Imports; Durham, North Carolina