I picked up a bottle of VILLA ORSINI Chianti Reserva DOCG 2006 in Real this week.
Price - €4,99
So what is a Chianti?
The wine is a red blend from Tuscany which lies in the north-western part of Italy. The area was first declared a quality area for wines in 1716. Today's regulations state that a minimum of 80% sangiovese must be in the blend. Up to 20% of juice from other red grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah as well as the traditional varietals such as Canaiolo, Mammolo and Marzemino.
So I have now poured a glass and am looking at a deep purpley-red colour which when swirled leaves colourless legs on the sides of the glass.
Back label say "great depth of dark chocolate and black cherry. Two years of oak ageing and further bottle ageing add complex aroma and refined finish."
For me the wine has an almost metallic nose, I do get some cherry and chocolate aromas coming through. The wine seems at first sniff to be quite sour, but has good ripe red fruits (again cherries spring to mind). After being open for a couple of hours, the metallic nose disappears.
Swirled around the mouth, I note first that the wine is dry (even though there are telltale signs of higher sugar content). The tannins are firm and are supported by the juicy red fruits. I like it!
I wouldn't drink this by itself - it matches well to a meaty tomatoey dish - Italian food with Italian wine is always a good idea! I like the taste of this with a baked pasta dish, it works wonderfully well with a bolognese sauce stuffed in cannelloni or layered with bechemel sauce and lasagne sheets. Perfect for a chilly Autumn evening.
Enjoy!
