2008 Banfi Centine

I had family in from out of town and I knew we were going to take their kids to the Museum of Natural Science that afternoon so I was looking for an easy dinner for that evening. I ordered a pan of lasagna and bread with herbed olive oil from Carrabba's. I went to HEB to pick up some lettuce for a salad and decided to grab some wine while there. I was going to have seven adults so I wanted to get a few bottles of inexpensive Italian wine. I decided to buy the $11 a bottle, 2008 Banfi Centine Red Table Wine which is a Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

In the glass, it was a clear, light ruby color. It had clean moderately intense aromas of cherries and plums. It was medium-bodied, 13.5% abv, with smooth tannins and medium+ acidity. It had a light, red fruit finish. Overall, it was a well-balanced, easy-drinker that worked well with the lasagna and would be a great wine to keep on hand to have with pizza.

I was able to easily feed 12 people well and serve wine to all the adults for about $100 with minimum effort. A good time was had by all and we finished up with a Christmas gift bottle of Moscato d’ Asti for dessert for which I took no tasting notes nor do I even know who was the producer… but the bottle is pretty cute.

Comments

Nocera - A Native Grape from Sicily

Nocera is a native grape from Sicily. It comes from the Messina province which is located in the northeast. Nocera is a quality red wine grape that is most known as a blender in the red wines of the Faro DOC. I had the opportunity to taste some pure versions (which according to Wine Searcher are rare) this week at a trade tasting held at Roma Restaurant in Houston. Wine production in the region dates back to the 14th Century BC, however, phylloxera decimated the vineyard area in 1881 leaving it at a fraction of its original size. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and coastal breezes, moderate rainfall, and mild winters, all ideal for grape growing. The Nocera grape is a bluish/black color and has a thick skin which allows for the production of structured wines with prominent tannins which are balanced by good acidity. High alcohol is common. Red wines produced from the grapes are an intense ruby color with purple highlights and aromas and flavors of dark fruits a

The Ultimate Zinfandel Experience - ZinEX

In the September issue of Galveston Monthly, I'm celebrating California Wine Month with the Golden State's signature grape, Zinfandel. I am also sharing information on the ultimate experience for Zinfandel lovers, ZinEX, get more information on that event at https://zinfandelexperience.com/

The New Sub-Regions of Willamette Valley

In the June 2022 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I explore the new sub AVAs and what makes each unique.

Wine Life - Houston

Search This Blog