Ca Berti Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro “Amabile” ($7.99) Here we have something a tad sweet for your summer sipping. Give it a good chill and pour a BIG wine glass so you won’t have to make so many trips back to the bottle. Black cherries, vanilla, cola and cassis will dance on your tongue with this effervescent wine. Enjoy with a good book on the porch.
2004 Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico ($14.99) I’m loving the 2004 vintage from Tuscany, and this Chianti is no exception. It is also one of our best values. Black cherries, spicy oak and a touch of earth. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied with fine concentration and elegance, as well as a long, crisp, moderately tannic finish. Enjoy tonight and over the next couple years.
2003 Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico Riserva “Torre a Destra” ($26.99) 100% sangiovese, this is classic 2003 vintage. Rich and ripe are the first two things that come to mind when this hits my palate—raspberries and ripe strawberries and a luscious vanilla on the back of the month with incredible length. Bring a couple of these to the Fathers’ Day BBQ and wrap one up as a present for Pops.
2002 Vini Biondi Etna Rosso “Outis” ($26.99) Not cheap, but worth every penny. From Mount Etna (the most recent eruption was in May 2007), this wine is a blend of 80% nerello mascalese and 20% nerello cappuccio grapes that are indigenous to this area and do very well in these harsh conditions. Ripe cherry, coffee and tobacco on this rich and full-bodied wine. On your travels thru Italy-in-a-glass, this is a must for your next stop. Salute! —Mike Parres