Masciarelli - Montepulciano d' Abruzzo

My Italian rampage continues! This $8 wine comes from central Italy which apparently is home to regular, hard workin' folk - who make no-nonsense wine. This wine is a bit of a standard for us - and goes especially well with pizza - which we're having tonight. The oak is a bit strong on the nose, but still gives the wine a pleasant spice. I can't pick out any one fruit, when I taste it. Look for this one or just this grape varietal - but don't overpay.

Scharffenberger Brut Sparkling Wine (aka Champagne)

Here's a $15 California Brut Sparkling wine (aka champagne) that is as good as any $30+ bottle you'll find for your New Years celebration. 2/3rds Pinot Noir and 1/3rd Chardonnay. Bubbly, light, and not sweet. It has never failed my and Mrs Vino. Happy New Year!

Olivares - Altos de la Hoya 2007 Monastrell

I can't recall why I purchased 2 bottles of this $10 wine made from the "Monastrell" grape variety. A 'net search suggests this is an excellent "value" wine - selling at $10, but worth $20. Well, Julios wine store must have had a label to that effect, because you know that description would grab my attention! I smelled rubber and the tannins grabbed my toungue on the initial tasting. All the flavors quickly smoothed out as the wine must have needed some air. Mrs. Vino also noticed the tannins, but said, "it isn't like a sweater on my tounge." We polish it off in no time and we're clearly in mid-vaca week form. This smooth wine has subtle blackberry like flavors and nice acid for a red. The wine worked well with a chicken pasta dish. Look for this wine!

Monte Antico Toscana 2006

My brother gave me this wine (along with 4 other bottles!) for Christmas. We pulled it out for our Xmas dinner lamb chops and loved it. Another Italian wine for me. (Is he reading by blog?) 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cab. The oak was a bit strong on the nose, but nicely in the background on the toungue. A very smooth blend and I was certain my brother had splurged - as he often does. One 'net search tells me this is a $10 wine - showing his nose for value. I'll be looking for this wine and so should you.

Jermann Pinot Grigio

Picked up this Pinot Grigio when searching for a white for Mrs. Vino. Perfumy, fragant and a bit floral- similar to a Riesling. We pair it up with some scallops and the combo works. I'm starting to think I need to learn more about and start buying more Italian wines. And who knew I liked Pinot Grigio. Be warned however. For whatever reason white wines just aren't hangover free like reds. We didn't even finish the bottle and both had slight headaches this AM.