WTN: Saladini Pilastri "Rosso Piceno" 2003

From Italy's Marche region. A blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano (although the back label doesn't provide the proportions).

Dark cherry red color.

"That" lovely nose of barnyard, earth and leather that I so often associate with Italian reds. Love it.

Tangy acidity, cherry fruit, smoke, fairy rich, chocolate and spice, with some not unpleasant bitterness toward the end.

Simple, but very enjoyable and a decent price to boot at $13.95 Canadian.

My first TN on the "new" WLDG.

Winebow's site indicates it is 50%/50%, Bruce:

The Vigna Piediprato is planted with 50% Sangiovese and 50% Montepulciano at 600 feet above sea level. The vines, planted nearly 30 years ago, benefit from alluvial soils and a southwestern exposure. At the end of October, the grapes are hand-harvested and crushed in a membrane press. Twenty-five days of skin contact are followed by a lengthy fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine spends 18 months a combination of Slavonian oak barrels and new French tonneaux to enhance the interesting textures and flavors of the wine. It has a fruity bouquet and a powerful structure on the palate.

Regards, Bob

PS: congrats on your first post here. B.

Thanks for the "geek" info!!!!