Cecchi Chianti Classico

[Innkeeper]

2001 Cecchi Chianti Classico ($9). This wine has lost 1/3 of its retail price (from $12) in these parts. This has to make it one of the top values in a widely available Italian wine. For certain dishes Enzo Mecella's Rosso Piceno, at a dollar less, is the better deal. However, unless you are on Roberto's mailing list, you are not likely to run into the latter. When the crisp acid of the Cecchi Chianti is needed as with a rich tomato sauce on pasta; it can't be beat. Last night we had it with penne in tomato sauce, broiled Italian sausages, and salad. Great meal in quality and value all around.

[Innkeeper]

Picked up a very large bunch of wonderful fresh basil at Micucci's on the way down to the double birthday party on Saturday morning. Bev made toppings for burgers by taking a slice of tomato, and topping it with a couple of large basil leaves and a slice of buffalo mozzarella. Simply great.

The rest of the story is that we brought all the rest home with us, and finding it starting to go this morning, decided to make pesto tonight. So we had penne with pesto, broiled Italian sausages, and salad in blue cheese dressing for dinner tonight. Of course we had to have a bottle of Cecchi with it; right? Of course.