Cool and groovy! Austin Wine Merchant does well, again.

March 01, 2010

Saw this at the Austin Wine Merchant today. Maestro Sanguineti Caruso d'Italia.  Almost passed it by, until I saw the label of varietals: 14% Corvina, Rondinella 6, Sangiovese 50, Syrah 10, Nero d'Avola 20. PLUS the wines were sourced "nord, centrale, sud". OK, I was hooked. $17 is a couple of buck more than I spend for the challenge 365, but well hell....John liked enough to floor stack it, so I'm game.

Avocado and Romaine salad with shallot vinaigrette, and prime top sirloin sandwich on rustic sourdough bread...simple enough food to allow the wine to do its thing.

A roasty meaty nose, with deep red fruits, earth and tar, both clean and fresh, not at all offensive. An elegant palate, typical of John, not heavy but rich of flavors. More red fruits, toasty tannins, good acids for structure. More smoky meat and a hint of copper on the finish. All things considered, pretty darn cool. John said it was "boffo". I almost agree. The structure is SOOOO elegant, it almost screams to be let go to BE boffo, but it is restrained. All good, honestly. Too much of a good thing is, well too much of a good thing. 

I'd say "Caruso" is an apt name for the wine. It sings Opera, richly, from the deep bass notes to heights of the Tenor at full tilt. Yet in total control at all times, like a fine Pavorotti solo. Rich, elegant and refined, with a touch of the lusty and earthy for "spice".

Drink this Wine! 

Cheers,

Rob Moshein, Austin Wine Guy.