Wine of the Week, June 2, 2013

 MONTE ANTICO 2009 TOSCANA ITALY $10.99

Ah, Tuscany! Why did I ever leave you? I should have stayed! Monte Antico is a blend of Sangiovese (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), and Merlot (5%), the three grapes typical of a Chianti, but it doesn't qualify as a Chianti, because it doesn't have the right/legal percentage of each grape/wine. Blends are the result of either an initial mixture of different grapes before the first crush or a mixture of different wines that have already been fully fermented. I don't know the merits of either approach. Monte Antico tastes of Italy; no other country could have produced it. It is medium- to full-bodied, earthy, a balance of fruit and acidity, with flavors of black cherries, liquorice, and plums. A perfect complement to pizza and tomato-based pasta sauces, beef, and - surprise! - chocolate. Vintage after vintage, Monte Antico is predictably good.