Tuscan Grape Varietals - The red grapes of Tuscany are world famous and yield wonderful wines unique to the region.  Hand selected by the Pey Family is one and a half cases that are comprised of a variety of these wines:

Sangiovese
You simply cannot talk about Italian wine without giving credit to the all-star of Italian grapes: Sangiovese. Literally translated as the 'Blood of Love,' Sangiovese it the most widely planted grape in all of Italy. It is not just the sole grape variety permitted for Brunello di Montalcino, but also the base for the blends of Chianti, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, and the ever growing "Super-Tuscan"  category which breaks from tradition by adding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot into the mix.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Although Cabernet Sauvignon is best known in the wines coming from Bordeaux, France, it plays a large part as a blending agent in Italy - especially in Tuscany. You will find Cabernet Sauvignon blended in very small amounts with Sangiovese to make the contemporary "Super Tuscan" style wine.

Merlot
As with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is used as blending agent in the "Super Tuscan" style wines out of Italy and also in some modern Chianti's. Merlot has been used for hundreds of years because of it easy-drinking 'calming' quality. The grape itself buds, flowers, and ripens early. Because of this, Merlot has a full body with lots of bright, black fruit, and aromas and flavors of chocolate and violet - similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Canaiolo Nero
The Canaiolo grape was once absolutely critical to the success of the Chianti region, as it was used in most every Chianti blend - sometimes amounting for 30-50% of the wine. It is still used in Chianti wine today, but definitely takes second fiddle to Sangiovese. The best Canaiolo's are a nice combination of very ripe strawberries and leather in taste and smell.
 
18 Bottles:

• 2 x Rubio 2006 San Polo $15.00 ($30.00)

• Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza 1997 $29.00

• Terrabianca Ceppate 2001 $30.00

• Cabreo Il Borgo 1998 $45.

• Val Di Suga Brunello di Montalcino 2001 $50.00

• Dievole Novecento Chianti Classico 2004 $42.00

• La Selvaccia Brunello di Mantalcino 2000 $48.00

• Colvecchio Syrah 2000 $32.00

• La Focale Sangiovese 2007 $14.50

• Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2006 $23.99

• PrimaVoce 2004 Arceno $22.99

• 2 x Marchese Antinori Riserva 2004 Chianti Classico $32.99 ($66.00)

• Dievole La Vendemmia 2006 $19.99

• Peppoli Chianti Classico 2005 $25.00

• Alteo Chianti 2005 $12.99

• Chianti Classico 2004 Banfi Riserva $18.29