4 Tuscan Red Wines We Love
Toscana. Just saying the name makes you think of golden hills topped by ancient stone houses, the Duomo soaring over the city of Florence, of ribollita, the humble chickpea and vegetable stew that has been a staple of Tuscan households for centuries.
And wine: good red wine, the kind that fortifies the body and warms the soul.
While the Vernaccia di San
Gimigiano is an example of a quality white wine produced in Tuscany, it is
the ruby red wines made from Sangiovese grapes that are the most famous around
the world. Here at Liquor Barn, we have a variety of Tuscan reds for you to
choose from, including world-class bottles of Brunello.
If you’re looking for a quality red wine that isn’t too expensive, you’ll
appreciate these four excellent bottles of Chianti wine, all for under $20
Banfi Chianti Superiore - 2009
This deep ruby red Chianti is aged in French oak barrels for four to five months, after which bottle aging occurs. You’ll enjoy the fresh and fruity nose, with dark fruit on the palate and a persistent finish. It pairs well with a big grilled T-bone steak, also known as the bistecca all fiorentina or with your favorite pasta dish.
Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico – 2010
The thousand year-old monastery that sits in a small village not too far east of the medieval city of Siena exports a Chianti Classico that is worthy of its ancient pedigree. Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico is a Tuscan wine that exudes elegance. From velvety dark red color, to the deep black plum and blackberry aroma, to dark ripe cherry and blackberry flavor, with a hint of coffee grounds at the end, this is a wine that you will savor from start to finish, with smooth tannins all the way.
FrescobaldiNipozzanoChianti Rufina Riserva – 2012
This four year-old reserve wine is ready to drink now or can be stored for a special occasion years down the road. Aged in second and third passage oak barrels for a period of 24 months, plus an additional three months of bottle aging before being released for resale, this Tuscan red is possibly one of our best values. It’s an active Chianti wine, with chalky mineral notes, dried berry and cherry flavors. On the finish, expect spicy and dark fruit notes. Enjoy it with barbecued meat or aged hard cheeses.
La MaialinaChiantiClassicoRiserva – 2007
For any special occasion, you can’t go wrong with this dry crimson Sangiovese beauty. Notes of cherries and warm leather make it enjoyable to quaff. As its already almost nine years old, this one was ready to drink yesterday – so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and treat yourself to a bottle of La Maialina Chianti ClassicoRiserva today!
