Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sangiovese, 2005 ($15)

Sonoma, CA

On a recommendation from other Sonoma wineries, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards continued to be one that everyone said you must see.  I must say the place was beautiful and felt as if the main building was right out of Tuscany…except with some modern day amenities.  It was the first visit of the day so our taste buds weren’t shot yet.   I noticed the Sangiovese bottles sitting on a table with a sale sign for $14.99 (normally $22) and didn’t really give much thought as I always believed a wine like this was made best in Italy. I was wrong!

After our tasting, I purchased a few bottles to bring home and opened one a week after our return. It was wonderful and no “bottle shock” from the flight.  I’m not sure if that really does happen but I thought the movie was enjoyable.  I’ve gotten in the habit to really try and pull out some of the aromas in the glass before tasting and this had such a nice earthy, old wood scent.  My guess was its from the 14 months of aging in French oak barrels.

The first sip brought on a bright raspberry and peppery flavor so I decided to decant it.  Once my patience got the best of me after 30 minutes in the decanter, I tried it again.  What a difference as the tannins and acidity virtually mellowed out and a certain silkiness exuded upon the finish.   After an hour in the decanter…unbelievable!  Now with an even smoother finish showing off hints of tea and cocoa, this wine will definitely cellar well.  The winery says up to 5-7 years for aging although I’ll have a tough time waiting that long for my next bottle.  Distribution may be limited however the Jacuzzi website has information on distributors in your state. Visit www.jacuzziwines.com

Tormaresca Neprica, 2006 ($10)

Puglia, Italy

I would have never thought to try this wine if it hadn’t been for attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.  I met a distributor and emailed him after the event to ask if they had any other red blends that I should try.  After finding this wine in my local grocery store Publix (FL), I was just happy to find it on the shelf, given the many wines people tell me about yet difficult to find.  (It may not be in all Publix stores, try to request it.)

I’ve only been to Italy once and it made my Italian mom happy, as I was able to join my parents there and meet mom’s relatives in Ravenna.  Her aunt is 90+, still going strong and since my visit, I often make her homemade Limoncello recipe.  Being raised in the USA and never really learning Italian or studying the geography of the country, here is what I can share in regards to this unique wine.

The region of Puglia is in southern Italy and located in what’s called the “heel of the Italian boot.” Tormaresca means “tower by the sea” and is named for the many towers that line the coast of the Adriatic sea in this region.  When I first poured this full bodied blend it showed off its deep ruby red color hinting to a surprise of aromas and tastes soon to follow. Dried fruits, leather and a hint of earthiness from its aromas led me to believe I was about to sample a very dry wine.  I was wrong!  Up front flavors of currants, blackberry and plum reminded me of a hearty Cab or spicy Zin. On the finish: hints of licorice, black pepper and oak (even though its unoaked) rounded out this pleasant new find for me.

The wine is actually a blend of 3 grapes (40% Negromaro, 30% Primitivo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon).  After some research on 2 of the unknown grapes (to me), I found that Primitivo is actually a twin to the Zinfandel varietal. Negromaro is a varietal predominately grown in the Puglia region with full fruit characters and good tannic structure. You won’t be disappointed with this wine especially if you pair it with a bolognaise sauce or baked ziti which is what I had it with.  Chin, chin!