Terre Di Franciacorta

[Innkeeper]

1994 Ca' del Bosco, Terre Di Franciacorta (DOC), $25.00 Convito Italiano; importer Paterno Imports, Lake Buff, IL. Were looking for a Franciacorta Rosso which is a blend of cabernet franc and merlot from Lombardy. This one is reportedly a similar blend with some nebbiolo added, and is also from Lombardy.

Decanted it carefully, but there was no sign of residue. There was a lot of fragrance on the nose, no doubt due to the C.F. Upfront were berries of all sorts. A wonderful earthy complexity with perfectly smooth tannin on the palate, and a finish that lingered, and lingered, and lingered.

This was the very best Italian Wine we've had since uncorking the '78 Brunello a few years ago. Will search and search for more, and if a later vintage will happily let it rest until age seven. Needless, will start at Convito.

It married perfectly with Bistecca Alla Pizzaiola, and, you guessed it, spinach. Just fantastic; look for it and you will love it.