2001 Monte Tondo Valpolicella

[wondersofwine]

$11 at is-wine in NYC. DOC Vendemmio Also says San Pietro on label--I'm not sure if this is a vineyard, village or what?
12.5% alcohol
Pretty color of dark ruby, transparent. Nose of dark cherries. (A wine encyclopedia compares Valpolicella aromas to Morello cherries--I'm not familiar with Morello cherries but would not argue that comparison.) Taste of dark fruits, including cherries and some blackberry. Fruity, smooth, ending on a pleasant note. Medium to full bodied. Delicious! Drinking well now--probably not one to keep for too long.
Had with homemade lasagna as a nice alternative to chianti and with a cheeseburger. Still fresh tasting on the second and third evenings. Foodie suggests pairing it with grilled tuna or salmon and I can see that also. Bears some resemblance to the cherry-like pinot noirs.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 06-25-2003).]