 |
 |
|
| Andrew's Pick | Karen's Pick | |
| Wine | 2003 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva | 2004 Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva |
| Rationale | A top-of-the-line Chianti Classico Riserva for special occasions celebrated over red-sauced dishes. | Especially for the price, this is a stellar red to pour with tomatosauced dishes featuring mushrooms. |
| Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany | Tuscany |
| Winemaker | Carmelo Simoncelli | Giovanni Folonari |
| Price | $40 | $27 |
| Grapes | 85 percent sangiovese, 10 percent Colorino, 3 percent cabernet sauvignon, 2 percent merlot | 100 percent sangiovese |
| Color | ruby red | dark berry red |
| Aromas | hints of plums, cherries and cherry blossoms | hints of wild blackberries gathered by hand in the woods near a campfire |
| Flavors | full-bodied with tart cherry flavors and intense tannins, yet impressive balance and length | full-bodied with ripe berry flavors balanced by strong tannins and mushroomy notes |
| Alcohol | 13.5 percent | 13.5 percent |
| Pairs With | tomato-sauced dishes, especially beef, chicken, lamb, pasta, steak or veal | tomato-sauced dishes with beef, chicken, eggplant, lamb, mushrooms, pasta, steak, veal or winter herbs (rosemary, sage) |
| Distributors | District: Republic National, 202-388-8400 Maryland: Reliable Churchill, 410-439-5000 Virginia: Republic National, 804-226-4362 |
District: Republic National, 202-388-8400 Maryland: Republic National, 800-492-1034 Virginia: Virginia Imports, 703-823-1230 |
Note: Prices are approximate. Call distributors to verify availability, or ask a wine store to order through the distributor. Other resources for finding wines at retail include Winesearcher.com and Wineaccess.com.
