Tasty Little Tuscan Blend is Only $10

Several weeks ago I talked about the differences between Old World wines and New World wines.

Old World wines, you may recall, are European wines that are generally lighter in body and have subtle, earthy flavors. American palates tend to lean towards New World wines, which come primarily from the United States, Australia and Chile. These wines are bolder, fuller-bodied and more emphasis is placed on fruit flavors.

If you tend to be a New World wine drinker and have considered coloring outside the lines, let me suggest a wine with Old World origins that you might find appealing. The Badia a Coltibuono 2004 Cancelli (pronounced Can-chelly) is a terrific red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy.

Although it’s not a true Chianti, it does contain 70 percent of the requisite sangiovese grape. What makes it different is that it’s blended with 30 percent syrah. The syrah softens the acidity component of the sangiovese, making the wine more well-rounded and complex.

The end result: an Old World wine that’s surprisingly plump and full-bodied with plenty of black cherry and plum flavors and a long, silky finish.

Now here’s the best part. It only costs about $10 a bottle. With a price like this you can easily afford to provide your taste buds with a new adventure and give it a try. You’ll find it at most major grocers in Whatcom County including Haggen and Food Pavilion.