LCBO Sale Pick of the Week: Oct. 22

Frescobaldi 2012 Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)

Sale $19.95, Regular $21.95
Discount (until Nov. 8): $2.00
LCBO # 107276 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Voluptuous cherry, plum and dried herbs and earth — it’s like a Tuscan summer evening in a bottle.
Pairs with: Elk sliders, venison and other lean meats; meaty pizza with mushrooms and olives; steak tartare.
Good for: Taking Wednesday night to the next level.
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2020.

Why we're drinking this
Chianti is one of our go-to wines for consistency, value and crowd-pleasing deliciousness. But all Chiantis are not the same. Depending on maker and vintage, the wines can be a bit lean, acidic or rough. As a rule of thumb, pay a little more for quality — look for DOCG or Classico on the label. At their best, Chianti’s are consummate food wines. In balance with the fruit, the acidity and (sometimes) medium (or plus) tannins do a brilliant job of whetting and freshening the palate. The Nipozzano comes from Frescobaldi, a large and dependable maker. The wine is a consistent high scorer. Critic James Suckling says: “Always an excellent, well-structured Chianti.”

Tasting note
Such a pretty nose of cherry, plum, earth and a whiff of smoky tar-like notes. The 2012 is particularly perfumed, with very pretty floral notes and touch of mocha. It’s bright in the mouth, with characteristic medium acidity and medium tannins. It has real presence and character. You’ll get a sense of spice and pepper too and a wonderful sturdiness that underlies a plush exterior. Medium body. Truly a lovely wine. Elegant, delicious and easygoing. I’m going to open another one…

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Frescobaldi 2012 Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)

This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder