Ciao bella! Two great wines from Italy just for you:

1) Abbazia Dinovacella Mueller Thurgau 2007: Branch out and taste the Mueller Thurgau variety, less known in the U.S., but very popular in Central and Eastern Europe. It’s similar to other early harvesting grapes, such as Riesling.

2) Erta e China, Rosso di Toscana 2005: This Tuscan red demonstrates the flexibility of the IGT regulations with a non-traditional blend of half Sangiovese, half Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 14 months in a combination of French and American oak. Inky dark garnet, almost black, it shows bright reddish-purple glints against the light. It exudes aromatic, dark fruits, (dried cherries) and spice, and despite its long stay in oak, the oak flavors are subtle. The finish is beautiful, clean and lingering. This, we think, an impressive full bodied wine.