Super Tuscan

You all know how much I love wine. In fact, I'm often asked which wines are my favourite and/or which ones to buy. Typically I purchase wine of good value, whether I choose to cellar it or not. Yes, you read that correctly - I do put wine away and NOT drink it - on purpose.

Over the years, I've spent a lot of effort (and money) on French wine - from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, Loire, Languedoc and of course, Reim for Champagne - I've recently started to explore neighbouring Italy and Spain. As I drink my way through these countries, I will report back on ones I love and more important - of good value.

One such wine is the 2011 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT. Now that's a mouthful - literally and figuratively. This is a big, big wine.

The Toscana IGT is one of the most popular regions in Italy. IGT simply stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica which basically is their labelling nomenclature. As you can probably guess, Toscana IGT means that the wine is from Tuscany. In addition, these wines can come from one of 10 Tuscan provinces. While Toscana IGT can be applied to all whites or reds, the most common style is the Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Sangiovese composition that is known as the "Super Tuscan". These wines can be consumed immediately or left to age well. The Sangiovese grape is what gives the "Italian flavour" in the blend with its rustic fruity flavours.

The 2011 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT that we ordered with our Italian meal at Quattro in a recent ski trip to Whistler, Canada, was deliciously paired with beef carpaccio. Intense flavour with rich blackberries and a hint of spice on the palette. Gentle tannins and a slight earthiness give it a lovely, long finish. And at $36 a bottle, this Super Tuscan is an absolute steal. An absolutely delicious wine that you must try.