Malcolm Jolley recommends a Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Borgo Scopeto ‘Borgonero’ Toscana IGT 2014, $17.95, LCBO# 421396
Borgonero means “black hamlet”, but I suspect this wine’s name is a play on it’s producer’s name, the Chianti estate Borgo Scopeto, and the dark skinned grape Syrah, one of the two ‘international’ (i.e. French) varietals mixed into its Sangiovese dominated blend. By any name, the Borgonero is an interesting, and delicious, wine for under $20. It has much of the earthy Sangiovese-Tuscan notes of a Chianti, but also lovely red and black fruit notes coming (I guess) from the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It also sits really nicley on the palate, with fine velvet tannins. The contrast between the weight of the Borgonero’s mouthfeel and the bright fruit notes is great fun. Like all well made Italian wines, it wants food, but this one is pretty versatile: I would (have) paired it with everything from roast chicken to grilled steak. It’s a dinner party ready crowd pleaser that performs on a level well above its price point.
