2006 Falesco Vitiano Rosso

Riccardo Cotarella is one of Italy's most famous winemakers (actually consults for a Bordeaux producer!) and his own winery is named Falesco and it sits at the Lazio-Umbrian border. This wine is a blend of 1/3 each of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese and has been universally acclaimed by wine critics everywhere as a superb bargain. Cotarella is a master winemaker knowing just how much technique is needed for each varietal to add to the blend. The wine has a Cabernet-Merlot dominated nose but the addition of the Sangiovese gives it more balance, freshness and length a wonderful juxtaposition to the sleek Bordeaux varieties. Supremely drinkable now try it with dishes ranging from chicken to pasta to grilled meats, and extraordinarily versatile wine. (Greg St.Clair K&L's Italian buyer) According to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "As is often the case, Falesco’s 2006 Vitiano Rosso offers incredible quality for the money, especially considering that the estate makes more than two million bottles of this wine alone. A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine possesses layers of plump, ripe fruit intermingled with sweet scents of French oak with a sleek, stylish personality. Drink this generous, tasty red over the next year or two. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010." (08/08)