LCBO Sale Pick of the Week: March 26

Gabbiano 2012 Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)

Sale $13.95, Regular $16.95
Discount (until March 29): $3.00
LCBO # 219808 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: A warm summer's day in Tuscany.
Pairs with: Pizza, charcuterie, roasted red peppers.
Good for: Anticipating an afternoon nap.
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now.

Why we’re drinking this
Snagging Chianti for under $15 is pretty easy, but a Chianti Classico is another matter. See, the Chianti region has become a sprawling and vast area over time as winemakers of questionable ability successfully lobbied regulators to allow them to attach the valuable “Chianti” moniker to their vineyards. “Classico” designates a wine made within the original territorial boundaries of the famed region. It’s usually a reliable indicator of quality Chianti.

Tasting note
For a house wine, you can’t do much better at this price. We don’t mean to disparage the notion of house wine in any way. For us, it means a delicious, well-made and characterful wine that doesn’t break the bank. This one delivers, and is resolutely a Chianti in style. That means it’s got forward black and red berry fruit, an earthy/dusty quality and lively acidity—which is what you want in a house wine. Versatility is paramount for a house wine, and this should please a wide swath of finicky wine “likers” as well as geeks. It’s even got a bit of mellowness from age, some nutty and coffee notes. Very good at a higher price, and really, really good on sale. Kwäf it!

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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder