by Ellen Andre

With the new year brings some new ideas for sharing special wines with all of you.  I’m going to share these winning wines recognizing a specific country each time.  Many people are familiar with US wines but are a little timid to try unfamiliar wines from other countries.  I promise, you will be pleased and amazed at the delicious wines you’re missing, by not trying a few.  For under $20 there are just so many wines that are perfect on their own or even better when paired with food.  If you visit a wine shop where they know a bit about wine, they will help you select something to your taste.

Italy is one of the most amazing regions in the world for producing wines.  You have probably heard about some common wines such as Chianti with its’ acclaimed black rooster designation… to the high end Brunello highly acclaimed on any good Italian menu.  Italy delivers high quality, consistently great flavor and good value.  As I mentioned, each of these wines highlighted will be under $20.  This month’s wines are selected from Cask and Bottle, Chelmsford.

Petra Zingari Toscana 2015

This wine was a real surprise to me.  Beautiful, highly concentrated ruby color and quite aromatic.  Full-bodied and fresh flavor with mild acidity, tasted so pleasing, smooth and rich.  Juicy flavors of dark cherry, black currant and blackberry fruits.  Slight mineral element on the finish.  It is a surprising blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Syrah.  Zingari is great to drink now or can be held. 14% alcohol.

Cusamano Nero d’Avola 2014

This wine hails from Sicily.  Nero d’Avola is much lesser known grape than most Italian wines.  It has fresh aromas of red and black fruit and is medium- bodied, fruit forward, with plummy spice flavors on the palate.  It’s unique in that it is held in stainless steel tanks, making for a lighter, “cleaner” flavor than if it was in oak barrels.  14% alcohol.

Angelini “Estate” Sangiovese 2013

The grapes for this wine are hand harvested and it is 100% Sangiovese grapes.  This Angelini reserva is aged a minimum of 15 months in traditional oak barrels.  It has delicious notes of wild cherries and vanilla with a spicy finish and a deep ruby red color.  Only 6000 bottles are produced due to the labor of hand harvesting the grapes.  From the Marche region on the eastern border of Italy.  13% alcohol. 

Cantina Zaccagnini 2016

 This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has been in production since 1978.  The Montepulciano grape is one of the most pleasing, easy drinking of all.  This intense ruby red wine has notes of cherry and red berries, with a spicy finish.  It has a fruity “sweetness” and savory freshness.  Held in steel until bottling.  It can age in the bottle for several years.  12.5% alcohol.

Food pairings with these reds includes: hard cheeses, pasta with red sauces (tomato and meat), roasts and stews.