Antinori Sangiovese Merlot

[mcd]

I buy this wine by the glass at a local hotel restaurant. On the wine list it is printed as followed: Antinori Sangiovese, Merlot. Tuscany.

The only wine I can find with a name close to this is Antinori Santa Cristina which is a Sangiovese and Merlot blend.

I need to ask to see the bottle next time I am there. I pay $10 a glass for it at the restaurant and it seems the wine I have found is about $10 a bottle. If it is the same I really need to find out so I can pick up some for home.

Thanks for any info you all can give me.

[Drew]

Welcome, mcd. You've got the right bottle and are smart to figure out that the restaurant is gauging you. They're selling you a glass for less than what they pay per bottle. The below was Wine Spectator's take on the wine.

Antinori Sangiovese-Merlot Toscana Santa Cristina
Current annual production: 350,000 cases
Current vintage; score; price: 2001; 83; $11

Fresh and fruity, this wine is made from grapes from the company's substantial holdings in Tuscany and selected wines bought from producers in the region, including several good local cooperatives. It's a blend of 90 percent Sangiovese and 10 percent Merlot.


Drew

[Innkeeper]

Unfortunately all too common these days! My experience is that those who know least, gouge the worst.

[Thomas]

Drew meant to say that they sell you by the glass at more than what they pay for the bottle.

If you can get the bottle at $10 retail, the restaurant paid under $7 for the bottle.

I am definitely in the wrong business!

[mcd]

I guess it is a convenience thing. I don't mind paying higer prices but I think that is a bit much. The place sells their cigars at three times the price of the cigar store a block away too.

Thanks for the confirmation.

[mcd]

I have found this wine at a couple different places. I can buy it from '98, '01, and '02.

I was planning on getting all three but was curious if any of those years were bad for that region. Thanks again

[sedhed]

mcd
where were you staying?

[mcd]

The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. I have bought it by the glass there on several occasions, I never remember to ask to see the bottle. [img]http://wines.com/ubb2/frown.gif[/img]

I have not looked in stores locally for a while, i couldn't find it locally a few months back but have found it online.