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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.
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