2011 Rocca di Castagnoli Poggio a’Frati Chianti Classico Reserve: Restaurant 28€. My wife had just arrived in Italy, and by dinner she was running on fumes. I had wanted a slightly less expensive Chianti Classico, but the waiter pointed us in this direction. I am glad he did. Stewed cherry, a bit of tobacco and hints of anise and crème de cassis. The palate might be more impressive with delicate fruit upfront, plenty of weight thru the mid-palate, and a longer than expected finish. Might be just short of a whoa. My wife was not all that interested in drinking, all the better for me. Outstanding. 91-93 Points. 

Saturday night while watching the Buckeyes I wanted something cold, and preferably with some bubbles. After a bit of a fruitless search I found this: N.V. Cà Roveri Rosato Frizzante: Retail 3€90. I could not locate the varietal breakdown of this wine, which is probably better. You know? For the price? Not completely horrible. In fact it checked all my boxes, had a bit of fruit, and was not overly heavy (10,5%). While I would not buy a ton of it if it were available in the states, I might keep a bottle on hand the next time I’m watching the game solo. Good. 85-87 Points. 

N.V. Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG: Retail 9€90. 100% Glera. My wife and I were in Venice and wanted a little sparkle for our apperitivo our first evening there. I ran out to the wine shop a couple of canals away and picked up this. Normally I eschew Prosecco as I find them either overly sweet or overly bitter/nutty (or both). But not the wines from Nino Franco. I first tasted Nino Franco’s wines with the lovely Silvia Franco back in May, and the wines made me realize that it was possible to make world-class wines in the region (why there are so few top-notch wines in the region is another issue to be explored). We were also slated to visit Silvia and Nino Franco in a couple of days, so this was the natural choice. A wonderfully inviting nose of citrus and a bit of yeast led to a completely delightful wine–nice fruit, acidity, and just the slightest indication of sweetness (and no bitterness to be found). My favorite Prosecco to date. Outstanding. 90-92 Points.

2015 Cordero di Montezemolo Arneis Langhe: Restaurant 29€. 100% Arneis. On our first night in Venice, we went to a neighborhood place recommended by our host. While it turned out to be a bit more touristy than advertised, the food and wine were fantastic. I ordered the crab tagliatelle, and the homemade pasta was exquisite. Melt in your mouth kind of exquisite. The wine was a beautiful match. Pineapple and lemon with plenty of snap, the wine was weighty without being flabby and commanded that I return to the pasta after every sip. Outstanding. 91-93 Points.