2000 Centine (red wine from Tuscany)

[wondersofwine]

Bought a bottle of this Banfi product at the Pinehurst Wine Festival after having it at a tasting. 12.5% alcohol, color: deep purple with rim of brick red, almost opaque. Described as a baby SuperTuscan which seems an oxymoron (how can it be supersized and a baby at the same time?) 60% sangiovese, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot. Total acidity: 5.1 grams per liter. Not prepossessing but a nice dinner wine with ratatouille. Could also match with red-sauced pasta or pizza. Reminds me of a Chianti--dark cherries and a bit of plum in the aroma and flavors. Integrated tannins. Medium body and finish. About $11
In checking on this on the Internet I found a number of reviews by wine writers for city newspapers. Some described it as dark fruits (blackberries, black currant, plum, black cherry) and even coffee and tobacco notes. Others described it in terms of red fruits (cherries, red currant). I think the blend of varietals accounts for the discrepancies in the description. Good value at about $11 a bottle.

[Innkeeper]

Used to be a much better wine. In fact when introduced it was a Rosso Di Montalcino, now it has declined by yards. Antinori's Santa Christina used to be in the same league. Now it is leagues ahead.

[Innkeeper]

Can hardly believe this ubiquitious bottle of vino gets so little play round here. Popped an '03 tonight with the last fresh tomato sauce of the year with penne and sausages and the ole critter did fine for itself. So did the wine.

[dananne]

Popped a 2004 version of this and consumed it over two nights. Not a bad little bottle for the price (around $10). Shows black cherry and plum with a hint of earthy minerality on the finish, and it would go well with a wide range of foods. Approachable with softer tannins, but not lacking structure. 12.5% alc. I'm sure Banfi's huge production of this wine has made it widely available. Again, nothing extra special about it, but it's well-made and offers good value as an everyday wine that is versatile with food.