Melini Chianti Borghi d'Elsa 2009 (Italy)

Chianti, the red wine most associated with Italy. This wine is 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 7% Malvasia, 3% Trebbiano and hales from Tuscany Italy. The Melini Winery was founded in 1705 and was established as an international winery in 1860 so they have had over 200 years of wine making experience. I purchased this wine for $10.99.

On the pour this wine was bright ruby red with intense bouquet of iris, spice and a bit of ripe raspberry on the nose. On the palate this wine is dry, medium bodied wine with elegant flavors of spice, toasted almonds, dark berries and the slightest touch or tobacco, nice long tasty finish. This wine had nice character and good balance. I would be surprised if someone who appreciates a dry-red/Chianti would not like this. I think it was a great little wine and the you cannot beat the price.

I served this wine with spinach/artichoke manicotti, Italian sausage, garlic toast and a nice side salad. Chianti was made to pair well with heavy Italian foods and red sauces and that it does. I plan to keep a bottle on hand to serve when we have Italian foods.