Sassy Sasso Aglianico

[Innkeeper]

1995 Sasso Aglianico Del Vulture "Il Viola" ($9.99). Unless he has run out, have absolutely no idea why Roberto didn't include this in his recent e-mail on BBQ wine. Could best be described as a smokey syrah. Comes to the schnozzle and over the lips with plums and black cherries. Then come the smokey, earthy nuances across the palate, along with silky tannins. All ends with a triumphant finish. Married perfectly with mesquite smoked burgers with all the fixings. Highly recommended. Available, hopefully, from Wine Expo.

[Botafogo]

IK, that would have been "exhibit A" in the BBQ list but that parrot is expired, dead and gone. We DO have several other Aglianico based wine in the same general price range and, since they have been famous since Roman times, they have a good track record.....

Roberto

PS: A warning to any of you who find post 1997 vintages of Sasso wines in the market, Old Man Sasso sold out (after his kids declined to take over the business) to people who are overcropping, using ultra-modern industrial style winemaking and have even cheapened the once classic packaging of this formerly wonderful cantina. It's a real shame.

[Innkeeper]

Will you be getting in any of the '96s or '97s?

[Botafogo]

Alas, no......those 1995's were "clean-up" from the warehouse of the previous importer. All gone, Roberto