2004 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino, Italy
The Il Poggione estate makes superb age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino, but it also, like most Brunello producers, makes a younger wine for earlier drinking. And in 2004, Il Poggione made a killer rosso di Brunello. A brilliant ruby red, it is luscious and ripe, but with enough structure and sheer stuff to carry it from an antipasto of prosciutto di Parma all the way through the entire meal to an aged pecorino cheese. This is delicious drinking.
Pair it with pasta fagioli, spaghetti with lamb ragu, a lasagna made with a classic Bolognese sauce, or with grilled sausages and meats from the barbecue.
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Quick swirl
Region: Tuscany
Price: About $20
Style: Vibrant and juicy
Food it goes with: Pasta with lamb ragu, grilled sausages and meats.
Where you find it: John & Pete’s Fine Wines & Spirits in West Hollywood, (310) 657-3080; Vintage Wines in San Diego, (858) 549-2112; and Wine Exchange in Orange (714) 974-1454 and (800) 769-4639.
-- S. Irene Virbila