Chianti. Maybe it brings back memories of watered-down red wine out of a jug on the table of a less than stellar Italian restaurant? Yuck. For me, Chianti brings back memories of when I was studying abroad in Italy and visited the region of Chianti. It was, I think, my first real wine tasting experience! Nowadays, I typically don’t drink many Chiantis (even though I love all things Italian) because I prefer bigger reds, but tonight I made a lasagna from scratch (watch out, Giada!) and thought a Chianti would complete the meal. PS – it did, thanks to this easy-drinking guy.
The 2011 Coltibuono “Cetamura” Chianti from Italy is a really affordable bottle of wine (it runs about $10-12). The grapes come from growers throughout Tuscany and are fermented in stainless steel. The name ‘Cetamura’ is the name of an Etruscan settlement on the Badia a Coltibuono property, owners of the Coltibuono brand.
Made up of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo (a grape that is indigenous to Tuscany and traditionally found in Chiantis), the Cetamura is light, with aromas of cranberry, cherry, and licorice and flavors of raspberry, cherry and orange peel. The well balanced but bright acidity makes it a great option for foods with acidic tomatoes. It’s not a fancy wine and is meant to be drunk now, so if you just want to order a pizza and have a glass of wine after a long Monday, it’d be a good go-to.
**Wine Notes**
Producer: Coltibuono
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: Chianti
Vintage: 2010
Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo
Alcohol: 13%
Price Point: $10-12
