Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
1. Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 20065 - $16.99(This was one of the Group Favorites)
Grape: Sangiovese
Avignonesi Vino Nobile is garnet red in colour; its bouquet is delicate and intense, with a slight scent of violet; the taste is dry with a hint of tannin. This important wine is ideal with roast and grilled meat, game and mature cheeses. Sangiovese's claim to fame is its role as the heart of Chianti, Brunello and many Super Tuscan wines though it is gaining ground as a varietal wine around the globe. When grown in a suitable location the grape's soft tannins, succulent acidity and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors make Sangiovese very easy to drink as well as supremely versatile at the dinner table.
2. Col di Sasso (Banfi) - $10.00Cabernet Sauvignon - Sangiovese
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese
Colour: ruby red, young, but intense. Bouquet: fresh, varietal, enriched with spicy notes. Taste: full and soft, balanced, easy-to-drink.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
One of the best known and appreciated Banfi labels in the world, Col di Sasso, which translates to "Stony Hill", is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese cultivated on the most rocky and impervious slopes of the Banfi estate in Montalcino. The perfect marriage between these two grapes gives birth to a youthful yet concentrated and extremely fruity red wine. (This was one of my favorites :)
3. Antinori Santa Cristina 2008 - $14.99(Second Group Favorite)
Grape: Sangiovese 90% Merlot 10%
The wine presents itself to the eye with a ruby red color tinged with violet hues. It has an intense aroma, with hints of fresh fruit and pleasant floral notes. Being of good structure, the wine is well-rounded, harmonious, and rich on the palate. The finish is characterized by sweet tannins and a lingering taste of the fruit from which it was born.
4. Monte Antico Rosso 2006 - $11.99Grape: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The blend, albeit varying slightly depending on vintage conditions. The best selections are blended and aged 1 year in oak (80% in Slavonian barrels, 20% in barrique) + at least 6 months in the bottle, achieving a graceful balance of voluptuous berry tones and flexible yet sturdy backbone. Dark ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate – round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile with any fare from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese. Moreover, the Empsons' judicious pricing policy makes it "consistently one of Italy's better values". Food-friendly, pocket-friendly, all-around simpatico. Bright plum, dried cherry and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors. Drink now.
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Book Review: Overall, I think the group enjoyed the book. It was an easy read that made us laugh (and me cry). I think most of us agreed that the last chapter should not have existed! It would have been a better ending to end with the second to last chapter. I loved the Zebra “Somewhere, the zebra is dancing”
I didn’t get into the race driving bit, but enjoyed the story being told from Enzo’s point of view. I pulled up the poem that helped inspire the author: The Revenant by Billy Collins and loved it as well!
Food Review: I had two favorite foods: the Butternut squash brought by Jena and the Chicken Cacciatore that Steve made. I hope to get the Butternut Squash recipe from Jena to post on this blog for everyone.
THANKS Everyone for another great club!
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