WTN: Castello di Nipozzano Riserva, Chianti Rufina, 1999

This is a product of the Frescobaldi wine empire. Mostly sangiovese, with some colorino, malvasia nera, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Nose of black cherries, decayed flowers, balsamic and earth. Medium body, 13% abv. Intense flavors of cherries, tobacco, bitter orange, leather and earth. High pitch acidity. Oak treatment is very subdued, the wine is aged in second and third use barrels. A touch tannic. Much better than the last bottle I had about a year ago, unfortunately this was my last one. Medium finish. Excellent match for manicotti filled with ricotta, swiss chard and caramelized onions, topped with tomato sauce.

Thanks for the note. Janet and I had this wine at dinner in our local Italian restaurant last week. The food was much worse than I can make at home -- the wine was delicious -- just as you described. The high pitch acidity couldn't save the food, though.

Regards, Bob