WineLife365

Posts Tagged ‘Ruffino’

It’s official:  Christmas is upon us.  How do I know?  We’ve caved in and tuned the radio, in our kitchen, to one of those stations that plays the same 25 holiday songs back to back to back…

Coincidentally, this always seems to happen each year, on one monumental day in December, when my wife and her BFF spend all day in the kitchen, 100% focused on baking Christmas cookies; all the while, listening to Christmas music (the same 25 songs over, and over, and over again…).  Although I’m not a fan of the coma-inducing repetition, I must admit that I do have a favorite Christmas song.  Turns out it’s my 7 year-old’s favorite, too!  He has great taste like his old man. 

What’s our favorite Christmas song you ask?  It’s the Italian classic, “Dominick the Donkey” sung by Lou Monte.  If you’ve never heard it before, it’s about a donkey that helps Santa Claus bring presents to children in Italy.  Last night was the first time I heard it on the radio this year.  When it came on, my son and I sprang up, danced and shouted for the entire block to hear, “Hey! Chingedy ching, (hee-haw, hee-haw) it’s Dominick the Donkey. la la la-la la-la la la la la.  La la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da!!”

As we danced and sang our celebratory song together, I envisioned a large helping of my wife’s amazing lasagna, along with several Italian Chiantis to wash it all down!  (Because I never stop thinking about food and wine!)

Here, my friends, are a few Italian gifts that can be shared with family and friends or paired with your own incredible lasagna recipe.

If you’re “a Virg,” to Chianti (my sister-in-law’s terminology), consider these two friendly, fruitier style Chiantis:

• 2010 DaVinci Chianti ($10.99) – Possessing sweet, jammy flavors of super ripe plums and cherries, this Chianti is perfect for newbies or a great primer before heading for a more complex Chianti.
• 2010 Farnese Sangiovese ($8.49)  – This is an amazing wine for $8.50 and also, like the2010 DaVinci Chianti, a great starting point if you are unfamiliar with this wine.  It’s soaking in dark cherry and strawberry flavors, and really sexy stuff at this price point!

Looking to go off the beaten path to taste some earthy tones?  One interesting and affordable option is:

• 2008 La Maialina Chianti ($10.99) – This Chianti is very different from the ones previously mentioned:  it’s loaded with that dusty, musty, Old-World characteristic, paired with notes of dried red fruits.

How about something much more multifaceted, with a touch of spices and a warm sensation in the back of your throat that really lets you know that they’re drinking Chianti?  Try these two on for size:

• 2009 Castello Banfi Chianti Classico ($12.99) – Aged in French oak barriques for 7 months, this Chianti is super elegant with its rich cherry flavors, sweet and dark spices, and long finish.
• 2007 Ruffino Riserva Dulcale Chianti Classico ($23.99) – Rosemary, violets, dried cherries and plum all having a sensational time together.

Finally, If you’re looking for an intense Chianti experience, here’s one that’ll surely give your palate a serious workout:

• 2009 Fattoria Di Basciano Chianti Rufina ($14.99) – A killer value @ $15 bucks. Full-bodied, yet silky smooth after letting it breath for a while (like a whole day).  This Chianti delivers the goods with black cherry notes, supported by licorice and an intriguing smoky undertone. 

  À votre santé!