2002 Avignonesi Rosso

[hotwine]

Recalled the producer from comments by Wonders and IK late last year and picked up a couple of these at World Market last week to try as pizza wines. This is a Rosso di Toscana IGT, comprised of 40% Prognolo Gentile, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot (not familiar with the Prognolo Gentile grape at all).

Didn't do this juice a favor by employing the P&G method of wine appreciation (pour & gulp). Nice deep ruby in the glass but the nose was muted, suggesting it needed air time and warming from cellar temperature.... already too late, as we were hungry and the pizza was ready. Splashing and swirling didn't help much. Flavors were difficult to define but resembled those of the Villa Puccini Toscana, just more subtle. Suspect it might come alive with eggplant Parmesan. 12.5% alc/vol and about $13.