Rosso di Altesino IGT 2008

I grew up drinking  rustic Chianti in a straw bottle with my father. Traditional Chianti contained a percentage of white grapes, which was mandated by law. I believe the reason was simple, there were all these white grapes growing everywhere and no-one knew what to do with them. To help the local farmers, the government mandated the addition of these grapes to the making of Chianti. This practice was accepted at the time and wines were typically of average quality. Times have certainly changed, this archaic law has been repealed and the quality of Chianti is now on par with all the great wines of the world.

The Sangiovese grape is extremely versatile and is used in the production of many wines in Tuscany, it’s uses go beyond just Chianti. Wineries are utilizing Sangiovese with the addition of some international varietals, mainly Cabernet and Merlot. This practice has blossomed all over Italy, the results are numerous wines, developed for our drinking pleasure at a reasonable price.

Each month, I select a wine that Varanos features. My goal is to find a wine that we can sell for seven to eight dollars a glass, and isn’t found in a supermarket. I search for wines, typically from smaller estates that show really well and pair well with our cuisine.

This month, we are featuring the Rosso di Altesino IGT 2008. It is made up of eighty percent Sangiovese and twenty percent Merlot and Cabernet. It’s aged for about six to eight months in stainless steel tanks and about three months in oak barriques. The result is a ruby red wine, that is well structured and pairs well with pasta and white meats. I consider this wine a great value wine, produced for today’s consumer. (Not everyone wants to lay down wine for five or ten years before drinking it). I’ve had this wine three times in the last week myself personally.

Altesino is a small boutique winery in Montalcino, the view from the winery is breathtaking and the original castello dates back to the fifteenth century. I’ve visited Altesino on several occasions and have seen firsthand their commitment to quality.  Their flagship Brunello receives top honors every year from the Wine Spectator and Gambero Rosso. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting through their entire portfolio of wines and they are all hand crafted and worthy of being called one of my favorites.

Don’t let the rest of summer slip by, come sit out on our patio and enjoy a light meal and a glass of Rosso di Altesino. It’s a great way to end your day, or begin your evening.