Rich. Grape varietals often get their names from a visible aspect of their fruit. The name Sauvignon blanc comes from sauvage (“wild”) because its leaves resemble those of wild grape vines. Pinot Gris refers to the blue-gray (gris) color of its grapes. But our favorite varietal (etymologically speaking) has to be Sangiovese — a wine so inky and black that it is named for the “blood of Jove.”
With damp, chilly weather outside we can hardly think of a cozier wine than Sangiovese. Our source for this grape is the Fattoria Poggerino, a small winery in the hills of Tuscany producing rich, balanced reds. We’ve recently restocked on their excellent 2012 Chianti Classico, just in time for wintery weather.
Roses and smoke. Poggerino’s 2012 Chianti Classico is among the best we can remember. Jancis Robinson called the 2012 “mouthfilling yet poised,” and “savory yet perfumed,” with “wonderful balance.” We found their signature roasted cherries and smoke in the nose, with chocolate, beef, and rose petals in the mouth. The mouthfeel is sturdy and dense, with young but juicy tannins and lots of energy.
The exceptional balance that Jancis Robinson highlighted makes this wine an easy food pairing — a rich tomato sauce on pasta is a near perfect match. With a few years in the bottle, this has rounded into a beautifully elegant wine. It’s certainly among the best sub-$25 bottles in our cellar.
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POGGERINO Chianti Classico 2012
Ansonia Retail: $28
case, half-case: $22/bot
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AVAILABLE IN 6- AND 12- BOTTLE LOTS
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Email Tom to place an order.
or call Tom: (617) 249-3657
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Terms of sale. Ansonia Wines MA sells wine to individual consumers who are 21 or more years of age, for personal consumption and not for resale. All sales are completed and title passes to purchasers in Massachusetts. Ansonia Wines MA arranges for shipping on behalf of its customers upon request and where applicable laws permit.