When it comes to reds, I usually want dirty, oaky ones. I like a little compost flavor. Deep, dark, full and rich. I really like the South American stuff of the past few years. The Australian’s seem to be a little too sweet for me on the whole, but I’m game. I’m beginning to revisit American and Italian wines. This is all easy, considering my love of drinking.
Trentatre is a three-part blend that has spent six months in oak barrels. The name literally means thirty-three in Italian. It is 33.3 cabernet, 33.3 merlot, 33.4 montepulciano grapes all grown in the Apulia Region in Southern Italy. It has a bruised flavor upon opening that gives way to a really nice oaky-ness once it’s had some air.
Trentatre Rosso was recently featured on the San Francisco Weekly’s “Cheap Wines That Don’t Suck” blog. They speculated that it tastes older than it is because the vintner uses older barrels, which is a practice that is not necessarily popular today.
It was full and fruity but with a moderate finish. Plums and cherries make for good company. I loved its oak tinge, and it was just tannic enough to be perfect with a ripe tomato, a handful of basil from the garden, some fresh mozzarella and bread. All drenched in olive oil.
A good summer food wine. Bring it on!
4 out of 5 strikes.
(Wine sampled by/post written by Tre)
Wine the Lightning 