Montichiello de Pienza - Rosso di Toscana NV (non-vintage) (Italy)

Price - unknown - gifted bottle Size - 750 mL - Tasted at home on Friday April 27. My father-in-law got this as a parting gift from the President of Italy for Christ when he was in Italy.

This Tuscan wine is IGT classified (a ranking below the top DOCG and second ranking of DOC), and as far as we could read from the label is a blend of Sangiovese and Cieliegiolo, although I couldn't find the Cieliegiolo grape listed in any books (a google search brings up only 4 hits, so it's very rare indeed). This wine has a medium red coloring and has light fruit and tart cherries on the nose. It also has somewhat heavy legs. This wine has bright tart cherry fruit with a subdued sweetness and a light body. The tart flavors continue into a medium length finish. Due to its lighter body this would be good with food, possibly some of the red pasta sauces, meat sauces and possibly pork or veal with red sauce. This is probably not something you would find unless you are in Italy, but if you do go, at least you could look for this one. Grade: B