Pizza Wine

 It has been a while since I posted a wine, and one of the main reasons for that is that we have been drinking them and throwing away the bottles before I manage to take a picture! Today, I was determined to make sure that didn't happen. So, I took the picture before we ordered the pizzas tonight.

The one on the left is Tim's favorite, the one on the right is mine. We have bought at least 3 bottles of each in the last month. They are both great for pizza, picnics, and other summer whatnot. And both can be purchased for between 10-12 dollars.

Las Rocas Garnacha (2008)- Medium bodied, lots of fruit, with a peppery bite and just a hint of smoke. Very drinkable and yet a little surprising each time you put your nose in the glass.

Gabbiano Chianti Classico (2007)- Medium bodied, with oak on the nose and the palate. Full of fruit, excellent with pizza, but even this vegetarian thinks this wine screams for Bolognese or a big thick steak on the grill. 

I Seem to be on an Italian Wine Kick

Which is not my fault this time.  Do you remember that Chateauneuf du Pape I found at Trader Joe's for $9.99?  And it was delicious?  Well, last week I came around the corner at Trader Joe's, and on that same end cap... was this!

Ruffino Il Ducale
Toscana
80% Sangiovese, with a littler Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
$9.99 at Trader Joe's

This is another score in the under $10 ballpark.  It is luscious.  Lots of fruit up front, but it has depth too.  I looked it up online and I swear that it is because of the oak aging.  There is a complexity of flavors that you don't usually get at this price point.

The wines on that end cap don't last long though, so if you are interested... GET ON IT!

I don't think I've met a Barolo, I didn't like.

We had it last night with Eggplant Bolognese.

Tonight, with Polenta cakes smothered in spinach, mushrooms, and heirloom tomatoes.

In both cases, it held it's own.

Barolo
La Loggia
2005
$14.99
(and worth it)
Trader Joe's

This was delicious.  My immediate reaction was to buy 2 more, so I did.  One to drink, and one to put down. 

Then I read the back.  Boy I wish I did that first, "Note for wine collectors:  This wine will improve with long aging." 

I am going back to Trader Joe's tomorrow.

Also, "Suitable with game, roast beef, pasta with TRUFFLES AND RICH CHEESE."  No, they didn't actually write that part in bold.  That was an error on  their part, as it is THE ONLY PART THAT MATTERS!

Guess what you're making this weekend, honey!