Wine of the week: Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2009

Consider these quotes from the Wine Curmudgeon’s previous reviews of the various Vitiano wines:

• "I sound like a gushing school girl. …”

• “Riccardo Cotarella is a genius.”

• “How does Ricccardo Cotarella produce a wine of this quality, ship it to the U.S., overcome the high euro, and sell it for about $10?”

Needless to say, I like the wines.

The 2009 Rosso ($10, purchased) is yet another triumph – a red blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot that is not too fruity, not too alcoholic, not too tannic, and not too acidic. In other words, balanced, as all great wine should be, whether costing $10 or $100.

The 2009 is more rustic than previous vintages, with some heft and a leathery feel, but this variation is one of its charms. Most cheap wine is made to taste the same from year to year, but Cotarella’s wines are better than that.

Drink this with any red sauce or any combination of beef or chicken with red sauce. It will be back in the $10 Hall of Fame when it appears next week, a testament to the concept that cheap wine does not have to taste cheap.

Comments

[Brit in Chicago]

My local wine store already has the 2010 in stock (and none of the 2009). Any chance of a quick comment on that?

[Jeff Siegel]

I have not yet had a Falesco wine, regardless of vintage, that wasn't worth more than the $10 it cost.

[matt]

Thanks for sharing this post. This type of wine is one of my favourite Italian wines. I have tried many Italian wines in the past but this was one of the best! Most of the Italian wines I purchase are from a company called - http://www.oliverswinewarehouse.co.uk/. I have to recommend these guys to anyone.