(One glass for the $6.99 price, one glass because I admire its determination)
When I saw 2017 on the label, my first thought was, “Oh no, I’ve made a terrible mistake.” Seven years is a long time for a $15 Italian red to sit around, gathering dust and existential dread. But hope springs eternal, and hey, it was marked down to $6.99, and I’m nothing if not optimistic (and slightly reckless).
At first sniff, I thought I might have lucked out — it actually smelled pretty decent, like it still had a will to live. But after a few sips, it was clear this wine was pulling a full-on Monty Python:
“I’m not dead yet!”
Well, technically true. But it’s definitely mostly dead. The dry Sangiovese vibes were still hanging on, but that slightly raisin-y aftertaste was like a sad reminder of its glory days. Cabernet and Merlot tried to lend a hand, but it was too late. Think of it as a band reunion where only the tambourine player showed up.
And the dryness? Oh, it’s dry. Classic Italian red dry and still fairly bold. I paired it with Beef Stroganoff, thinking creamy, meaty goodness might breathe some life back into it. Nope. The Stroganoff was putting in Olympic-level effort, but the wine just stood there like a confused extra in a spaghetti western. It simply couldn’t keep up.
It’s from a Family Estate, which is lovely and all, but unfortunately, I showed up after the family had packed up and moved on. I’m sure the Ceppaiano family gave it their all. Unfortunately, I just showed up too late. Won’t be restocking this one — but on the plus side, now I know what “past its prime” tastes like. Next time, I’ll stick to a younger bottle. Or at least one that doesn’t make me question whether I’m drinking wine or auditioning raisins for a trail mix commercial.
Types of Grapes: Sangiovese mostly, Less than 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Fun Juice Level: 13.5%
Origin: Somewhere in Tuscany, Italy
Grocery Outlet Price: $6.99 I think, definitely sub $10
