Tolaini Valdisanti 2009
Tolaini makes a Chianti Classico, but they are probably most noted for their Valdisanti (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Franc), and the Al Passo (85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot). Both the Valdisanti and Al Passo are considered Super Tuscans because of the grape combinations. The Valdisanti was the most Bordeaux-styled wine of the evening. It is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months, then spends 12 months aging in the bottle before release.
Why this wine works:
On the palate, Valdisanti is full-bodied, having a deep fruit flavor, with distinctive flavors from the oak aging. There is an excellent balance of acid and fruit intensity, with tannins that indicate a cellar worthy wine. This is a fun, lively wine that gets high marks from all the experts. We like to match this wine with pasta, grilled red meat, grilled vegetables – but this works fine all on its own.
Scoring:
This wine scored consistently high, with most people rating it either 4 or 5; one person loved it so much that there was one 6 rating (someone didn’t read the instructions). Five people rated it the best of the evening – the most of any wine we tasted. There was not a drop left in any of the bottles – so many people came back for seconds. It is a beautiful wine for the price, and it was the best of the evening. The average score was 4.22, the best of the evening.
Where to buy:
We sourced this wine from the Central Liquors, Flemington NJ, and was purchased for $25.
