Wine of the Week for January 25, 2010

Farnese Sangiovese Daunia IGT 2008 - $7.55
Style: R3
Italy: Ortona   $7.55

I often think that sangiovese doesn't get the respect it deserves. Here it produces a delightful week-day wine at an incredible price. With a deep ruby-garnet robe, it shows heady aromas of blackberry, charcoal, plum, and hints of cedar and fruit leather. Less distinctive on the tongue, it still offers up dried cherry, plum and flint, atop mild tannins and soft acidity. Medium bodied with medium length, it's nicely balanced and ideal for pizza or chili night. (LCBO 512327)

Wine of the Week for January 11, 2010

Cesari Chardonnay IGT 2008 - $7.45
Style: W1
Italy: Venezia

Subtle tropical fruits, with traces of butter and sweet oak. Soft on the tongue, with mild acidity, apple, butter and spice flavours and a tart close. Medium bodied with good length, it's quite a nice little package that will go nicely with roast chicken or cream sauces. (LCBO 57246; Also comes in 1.5l - LCBO 134940 - for $12.85!)