2010 Forteto Della Luja “Le Grive” Monferrato Rosso DOC, Piedmonte, Italy.
It is hard not to love Forteto della Luja’s Le Grive, this Monferrato red is a blend of Barbera and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) along with a tiny amount of other black grapes and is a very unique cuvee that shows loads of dark fruit, round silky texture and some cedary wood notes and richness. The Barbera’s blackberry and sweet plumy weight shine here, though it never feels too heavy as the acidity is pushing bright and vibrant flavors forward with cherry and currants on the palate with hints of spice, vanilla and mineral tones. This makes for a very interesting red that would be great with pasta, duck and porcini mushroom dishes, and without question this is a fine and unique wine. Enjoy this one for the next 3 to 5 years, but I love the freshness and vigor it shows now, so I’d suggest drinking on the sooner side.
($35 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

 

Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($29.95)

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