Tuscany Uncorked: La Tancia 2007 Chianti

It just so happens that my wife and I will be leaving on a trip to Italy in just a few weeks, we are going to be staying on a vineyard in the heart of Chianti, a stone's throw from Castellina in Chianti. Wow, we just can't wait to visit Tuscany and Siena and some of the over 90 wineries who produce Brunello di Montalcino. So much to see and do with only a week to take it all in.

I do love a good Chianti, it's one of my favorite table wines. I was invited to sample the La Tancia Chianti (2007) and it arrives on my doorstep and does a bit of sunbathing before coming inside to be stored in my cellar. I'm thinking I will give this wine a couple of weeks before I give it go, to get over a bad case of bottle shock.

Well it has been two weeks since the arrival of this sample and I am seriously jonesing for a grilled pizza. Yep you heard me right a grilled pizza. The weather is seriously vexing and the temps inside are nearing the mid-eighties.

Since I want to make some pizza and the oven is a serious no-go, I opt for the grill. I whip out the pizza stone and a fresh dough acquired from Trader Joe's, and all the other fresh ingredients waiting to participate in this glorious feast. I then whip up a couple of "classic" Caesar salads and now it's time to evaluate this wonderfully inexpensive Chianti.

We all appreciate getting great juice at a great price and believe me I am no different. This wine was everything you expect in a classic style Chianti and more.

The Wine: 2007 La Tancia, DOCG Chianti. Does Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita D.O.C.G. have you wondering what does DOCG mean anyway? It's represented by the geographical name of a delimited production area with the strictest limitation of areas and yields per hectare and is awarded to wines of outstanding reputation with a D.O.C. of at least five years.

First Swirl: In the glass, this wine features a light garnet colored core and red-brick colored rim.

First Sniff: The delicate aromas mingle nicely together, with characteristic notes of plum, cherry, and a hint of leather.

First Sip: There's an appealing earthiness under the black cherry fruit in this wine. It grows more savory with air, gaining both freshness and length from the bright middle. Supple tannins and a well-balanced structure, it's a good match for many food types think Egg Plant Parmesan or perhaps a thin-crusted wood-fired pizza.

Composition: 100% Sangiovese aged (most likely twelve months) in French barriques and estate bottled at the La Tancia Estate in the Chianti.

Price and Alcohol: This wine can be purchased at a number of places online and sells for somewhere between $7.00 and $9.99 depending on where you look. The alcohol percentage is a typical 12.5 %.

Other Voices: After an exhaustive search online it appears mine is the sole voice on reviewing this particular wine, so you'll just have to trust my palate alone on this review.

Sample Sent: Yes, this was a sample sent to me by the Margate Wine and Spirits Company in New York

Recommendation: This is a good wine to stock up on, especially if you are planning a party. It lends itself to easy food pairing and has a low alcohol content. It's is very inexpensive and will be easy on the wallet. It's is made to drink now but will benefit from a year of cellaring. If you are someone likes to buy easy quaffers like this one in bulk, I heartily recommend storing your wine correctly or you're just throwing your money out the window. Until next time cheers everyone!