Finding good wine for little money is a passion of mine, and I love scoping all sorts of wine from Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Southwest France and more. Italy is a fount of wines that show a sense of their place without a huge price tag. From Abruzzi to Veneto, this week I have a range of interesting and delicious Italian wines, all for less than $25.
These wines were received as trade samples and all the reds were tasted single-blind.
2018 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
SRP: $15
Deep ruby color. Plummy and fresh on the nose with raspberries, cola, warm clay and some tobacco and basil elements. Crisp and fun on the palate, light tannins, this has a zesty, smooth appeal with cherries and red plum fruit. Complexities of light roast coffee, dusty earth, sage and tobacco add a nice touch. Has a fun, fresh vibe but complex and savory, too. (87 points)
2019 Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy Dolcetto d’Alba “Monte Aribaldo” – Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba
SRP $19
Light purple color. Ripe and fun on the nose with classic juicy, dark Dolcetto fruit (blueberries, plums and raspberry jam) along with violets, potting soil and sweet basil tones. Juicy and ripe on the palate with light and dusty tannins and fresh acid. Dark cherries and plums along with cocoa, violets, cola and earthy tones. So pleasant and fun – who can’t not like this? Floral and fun, but solid depth, too. All Dolcetto, all stainless steel. (90 points)
2019 Vietti Barbera d’Alba “Tre Vigne” – Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d’Alba
SRP: $18
Deep ruby color. The nose pops with raspberries and cherries with opulent floral tones, too. Vibrant acidity, smooth tannins and tangy fruits (raspberry, black cherries, strawberries), really lively. Floral and perfumed, this has a lot of spice rack elements (from paprika to oregano and lots of other stuff in between). Focused and food-friendly, a reliable wine from a classic producer at a bargain price. Aged 14 months in French and Slavonian oak. (90 points)
2019 Masseria Li Veli “Orion” Salento IGT – Italy, Puglia, Salento IGT
SRP: $15
Vibrant purple color. Aromas of roasted plums and mulled cherries, along with tobacco, scorched earth and violets. Rich and chewy but shows some good acid to keep it fresh. Plums and sweet raspberries, boisterous fruit but stays lively, and shows elements of cocoa, violets, clove and red licorice. This is a fun, party-friendly accompaniment to grilled sausages and veggies, but shows some complexity as well. All Primitivo aged six months in stainless steel. (88 points)
2015 Cambria Syrah “Furnari” – Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $20
Vibrant purple color. Smoky and beefy on the nose, which is great, along with black olive, along with tobacco over top sweet blueberries, plum sauce. Medium-bodied, smooth tannins, a pleasantly chewy feel along with vibrant acidity. Plummy, black cherries, mixed with some distinct clay, earth, tobacco. Fun but complex, a lot going on here. (90 points)
2020 Di Giovanna Grillo “Vurria” – Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $19
Rich yellow color. The nose shows a nice mix of tropical and vibrant aromas, with lemon and pineapple alongside tones of honey, yellow flowers, sliced cucumber and sea salt. Creamy and plush on the palate but this sports moderate acidity. Yellow apples, lemons, kiwi and pineapple fruit play well together, backed up by pretty elements of white flowers, lemon verbena, and these chalky, flinty elements. A ton of personality and vibrancy here, especially considering the price. All Grillo from 30-year-old vines, all stainless steel. Tasted sighted. (89 points)
2019 Stemmari Nero d’Avola – Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $8
Deep purple color. The nose pops with juicy black cherries and sweet plums, along with an interesting mix of clay, loamy earth, violets. Ripe and sweet on the palate with smooth tannins and medium acidity. The plummy, cherry, blueberry fruit is deep but pretty. Some tobacco, black tea, oregano and pepper add complexity, which balances nicely off elements of roasted chestnut and red and black licorice. Crowd-pleasing but delightful and shows a lot of value for the price. (87 points)
2019 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Valpolicella “Nanfré” – Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella
SRP: $15
Light ruby color. Aromas are really spicy and fresh, like cherries and red plums topped in black pepper, paprika and sliced bell pepper. Medium acidity and dusty tannins, full but fresh with mulled raspberries and cherries. Notes of black pepper, anise and black tea add some complexity. Interesting, tasty, accessible stuff, if you like spicy freshness, this is worth checking out. Really solid value. All stainless steel with no dried fruit and lower alcohol, Corvina and 30% Rondinella. (89 points)
2018 Inama Carménère “Più” – Italy, Veneto, Veneto Rosso IGT
SRP: $21
Medium ruby color. Lovely, spicy nose of roasted red pepper, rose hips and coffee grounds over top of tangy cherries and raspberries. Medium-bodied and fresh acidity with smooth but structured tannins. Strawberry and cherry fruit, juicy and tangy, mixing well with tobacco, mint, tar and roasted red peppers. Warm, inviting, delicious stuff, this has a spicy appeal that makes me crave a campfire and grilled meats and veg. I love this producer, and this is such a unique wine with a ton of personality. Includes 30% Merlot, aged 12 months in French oak and six months in stainless steel. (91 points)
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