2005 Falesco Vitiano Rosso, Umbria IGT

[wondersofwine]

Another wine that can be found for under $10 a bottle at some U.S. wineshops. I paid close to that for a glass (dumb inflated wine prices at restaurants) at an Italian restaurant last weekend. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine steward spoke of this as a bold wine and a super Tuscan (when is a super Tuscan not a super Tuscan?--how about when it comes from Umbria not Tuscany and is more an everyday drink than a special occasion wine). Nevertheless, it was a pretty good match for my entree of rib eye steak chunks over wild mushroom risotto with garlic accent and snap peas around the edge. The boldness of the blend stood up to the rib eye beef. The wine is a purple color with crimson edge. It tasted smooth on entry and mid-palate with the boldness evident on the finish. The cherry notes from the Sangiovese revealed themselves while the influence of the Cabernet Sauvignon was subordinate IMHO.
This is a restaurant that takes wine seriously and has some fine bottles (Barolo, Burgundy, true super Tuscans, etc.) but I do wish they would price them more reasonably by the glass and offer more wines by the glass. They are involved in educating the public about wines, including involvement in the newly formed Fayetteville Wine Society (NC).

[hotwine]

Sounds great, Jane. But I sure wish restaurants would wake up their problem of over-pricing wines.

The wine sounds very much like Arnaldo Caprai's Montefalco.... suggest you try it if you can find it.

[wondersofwine]

I'll watch for your recommendation HW and maybe ask the wine steward at Luigi's if he might consider offering it by the glass. I'm getting to know him through local wine tastings, etc.
On Robin Garr's WLDG website, Tim York pointed out that Vitiano is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in about equal parts. My waiter mentioned only the Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 04-24-2007).]

[hotwine]

Caprai's Montefalco is 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot and runs $22-$26 at retail.... worth every nickel. D brought back two cases for me from Houston last year, and we're just now starting on the second. Good stuff.