Alright, it’s true. I thought I was the SuperWoman of wine. I thought I could scoff at the Society of Wine Educators recommendation to study 6-12 months prior to taking my Certified Specialist of Wine exam and do it in 2 months.
I came close. Missed it by three miserable questions.
And who do I have to blame (because I couldn’t POSSIBLY have myself to blame, right?)…the Italians.
Yes, Italy got the best of me. I spent so much of my wino studying time wooing the French, playing with the Australians, being seduced by the Spanish and Argentinians, and of course, surfing California wines, that I paid little heed to the Italians.
Quite frankly, they confused the hell out of me with their Montelpulciano di Abruzzo’s, Vino Nobile di Montepulcianos, and Brunello di Montalcinos that I couldn’t see straight.
So, I figure the best way to regroup and go at it again, is to invade and conquer the Italian wines…in my glass. Tonight, I fight Tuscany with Banfi’s Centine 2008 Toscana.
I half expected to go into battle by pouring a blood-red wine into my glass, but it is a very lovely ruby-red. On the nose, it’s comforting…rich leather and cherries. I want to be angry, but it’s so hard when it smells this good…like a plush leather sofa, calling out to you to sit by the fire, grab some chocolate, and kick back while the wine ‘massages’ your senses.
Then the sip.
I can’t be angry with Italy when it tastes like this.
Cherries, leather, violets, and just a subtle hint of black olives. It’s smooth and supple. It doesn’t knock you over with it’s bold tannins. It doesn’t dry your mouth out. It doesn’t cause pucker overload with tart fruits. It simply woos you with the romance you would expect from Italy.
This lovely blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot is a perfect every day wine for pizzas, pastas, or simply for those days when you’re angry with the world and just need a hug.
Fall into this wine’s ‘arms’. At $12 a bottle, you could carry on a love affair for years to come.
Ah Italy…Now I know why I have been defeated by you…and I succumb willingly
Corked Cowgirl 