Monte Antico

Monte Antico IGT

Cost: average price $12

Where buy now: Surdyks – $9.97, Trader Joe’s – $10.97

Grapes: 85% Sangiovese – 5% Merlot – 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Rolling hills of Tuscany, Italia

Vintage: 2007 – buy any European wine from 2007, you’ll most likely do well

Monte Antico
Monte Antico

Even though this is {tip Indicazione Geografica Tipica, typical regional wine. Also commonly referred to as TABLEWINE, or in my house, everday wine.}IGT{/tip}, it drinks smoother. This is a versatile red that goes with pasta, meat and cheeses. It’s an earthy wine taking on hints of herbs, cherries, licorice and plum. Medium to full body – this fruity, spicey number is sure to please.

Okay – enough of the stereo instructions. Notice the red cap in the photo, that’s right. A-RED-SCREW-CAP. What does the Savvy Lush think? Perfect lazy-man’s wine or if you’re going to someone’s abode and they stupidly don’t have a corkscrew.  You can find this ditty in so many stores. It’s a nice go-to wine for our household. Right now I’m finding 2007’s and that is good for us! When I was in Italy last Summer, my Italian friend, Maria Grazia, told me that 2007 was a GREAT year for grapes and wine making in Italy along with the rest of Europe. Therefore, when I’m at the store and see just about any European bottle with a 2007 year on the label, I swipe it up. You may find me searching for the best bargain 2007 wine out there. Hmm, do I detect a Savvy Lush challenge? Stay tuned. . .

If you like Chianti, you’ll like this due to it’s higher concentration of the Sangiovese grape. For those who think Chianti is too dry, you may like this due to the blend of Merlot and Cab. Give it a whirl, won’t cha’? Pick up a bottle tonight to accompany a hearty pasta dish with your hunny or bring it to a dinner party. You can wow your audience while you spew facts about how terrific a year 2007, was for European wines.