2008 Villa Antinori Toscano Rosso

Super Tuscan

This wine is from Italy, the Tuscany region to be exact. Villa Antinori  is classified as a IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) or otherwise referred to a “Super Tuscan.”  IGT wines do not meet strict DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) or DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designations while such wines as Brunello, Barolo & Chianti do.  Some IGT wines, or “Super Tuscans” have, however, been put into a high quality category. Antinori is a huge conglomerate in the Italian wine industry and produces very high end wines such as the Tignanello & Solaia.  In 2001, the Villa Antinori red wine changed from the Chianti Classico denomination to IGT.  I guzzled a bottle of the 2008 Villa Antinori Toscano Rosso. Villa Antinori is predominantly Sangiovese, with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. This wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%. 

On the nose: Oak, lots of it.  Would not peg this as being Italian off the bat.  Little Cali sunshine here.  Can’t get past the smell of wood chips (maybe not a good thing).  Imagine if you are taking a long leisurely walk along Central Park on the west side near Strawberry Fields and “Hacksaw Jim Duggan” jumps out and whacks you over the head with his 2x4 (Ouch!).

Palate: First impression is nothing special on the initial attack, but picks up a little in the mid palate and comes along nicely on the finish.  All the characteristics you would expect from a wine from Tuscany – cherry, drying tannins and high acidy.  Needs to be paired with food.  Have this with a some Vitello alla Milanese and some broccoli rabe sautéed with garlic and call it a night.

Rating Scale (out of 5 +):

++½

Price: $18

“HOOOO!!!”