(Would I fight someone for the last bottle? Probably not. But I’d think about it.)
Ah, Italian wine. The stuff of romantic dinners, scenic vineyard daydreams, and, apparently, my Tuesday night ham feast.
Ah yes, the noble art of wine shopping: wandering the aisles, pretending I know what I’m doing, and ultimately choosing a bottle based on price and how Italian the label looks. Enter Poggio Mantredi Toscana Rosso—a name so fancy it sounds like it should come with a vineyard tour and a free Vespa. But instead, it came with a price tag of $7.99 (down from $20 or so, which means I am obviously a financial genius).
First sip: Dry. Tart. A little pucker-y. My face involuntarily did that thing where you nod approvingly, even though no one’s watching. This wine isn’t here to coddle you with sweetness—it’s bold, structured, and just acidic enough to remind you that, yes, you are indeed drinking something Italian. Mamma mia.
Naturally, I paired it with a fat, glistening chunk of salty ham because I am a person of culture. Let me tell you—perfection. The salty ham, the sip-bite-sip rhythm… it was basically a Michelin-star experience happening in my very own kitchen (which, for the record, was littered with cracker crumbs and regret).
As for the aroma? Smells like…wine. (What, were you expecting me to say “notes of crushed violets and ancient oak barrels”?) It smells good, it tastes good, and most importantly, it keeps getting better the more I drink it. Which, speaking of, I should probably slow down because somehow most of the bottle has evaporated. Strange how that happens.
Final thoughts: This is one of those rare, beautiful moments where you feel like you’ve cheated the system. $7.99 for a solid Italian red? Feels illegal. Will I buy it again? Si, absolutely. It’s reliable, affordable, and doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Plus, I like a wine that pairs well with my questionable food choices. Will I pace myself next time? Unlikely.
Types of Grapes: Crazy Italian Ones – Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Fun Juice Level: 13.5%
Origin: Tuscany, Italy
Grocery Outlet Price: $7.99 at Grocery Outlet, $20 elsewhere
