Farnese Sangiovese Daunia

2008 Sangiovese Daunia, $7.50. LCBO#512327.

I found this wine during the LCBO’s food pairings promotion. It was in the “goes well with spaghetti” section, so therefore I had no choice but to add it to my basket. Surprisingly we branched out from our usual carb-loading and tried it with chicken, which still worked.

The fact that it was on sale for $7 made me feel like it was daring me to try it. How good could any wine be for $7?  I was feeling a bit jaded because I took a leap on a cheap bottle of Cesari  Merlot ($7.30, LCBO#572453) a few weeks ago and it was so pitiful I haven’t even bothered to write it up.

I think this is my favourite Wine Wednesday pick so far. Farnese delivers on a robust wine that won’t break the bank.  In fact, you can even buy the 1.5L version for $12.50!  I can’t quite believe that I am extolling the virtues of a wine that costs less than your dinner ingredients, but there you have it. Wine Align calls it the best wine you can find for under $8, and so far on my wine tasting journey, I would have to agree.

The wine is deep plum coloured, has an earthy nose, and a fruity, almost sweet taste. There’s just enough oak and spice to balance the wine, which has a smooth finish and a medium to full body.  It hits all the right notes for me, especially since I love full and fruity wines.

This Sangiovese is great to sip alone, but pairs well with most dinners that I would concoct. The 1.5L would be a smart idea for a holiday dinner or a big party, as long as your host is fairly un-snobby and/or doesn’t read this blog (and thus know what a cheapskate you are).

Overall, I give this wine 8.5/10 for taste and 5/5 for value.