Ferragosto 2013: What I'm drinking

Lighting the fire balloon at Ferragosto

Many Italians have spent the day at the beach, in mirthful play. Back home, work proceeds. It’s hot in Texas and many people have put aside leisure for the responsibilities of ambition. Some must work so others may play. So it goes. But even after a long day in the trenches, one must recharge and re-balance the wheels of life, yes?

My choice to get me on the right path is this little red wine I found from Tuscany. It is a bit of a conundrum to me, because when I saw the grape varieties and the ownership, my pre-conception lever was pulled.

The wine in question is from the Podernuovo a Palazzone estate, which is owned by the Bulgari (jewelry) family. It is called Therra (2009) and is a blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Finally the wine was made by Riccardo Cotarella. So my prejudices were against 1) a wealthy fashion dynasty inserting themselves into the wine business by buying into it, 2) the use of Cabernet and Merlot with Sangiovese (and Montepulciano) and 3) a wine consultant well-known for his relentless habit of internationalizing Italian wine. Three strikes?

As it turns out, when I opened the wine and tasted it all of my ridiculous sanctions of prejudice were lifted. I was immediately smitten. Call it sorcery, call it the luck of the ruling class, call it whatever you want. I call it delicious. And I want some more. (Suggested retail in the US is $25.)

Buon Ferragosto!

written by Alfonso Cevola limited rights reserved On the Wine Trail in Italy

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