Podere il Carnasciale Ottantadue 2019

How do you categorize something so juicy, so fresh and so clean? (clean clean clean).

This was a pleasant surprise we just discovered from a really cool micro-producer in Tuscany called il Carnasciale. They're known for making one of the world's only examples of Caberlot, a blend of Cabernet and Merlot. Their viticulture is organic, their winemaking is very hands-off and quality-minded and the personality of winemakers Bettina Rogosky and her son Moritz.

This doesn't drink like any other Tuscan reds I've ever had–while I love Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti very much, those are wines trading on their patrician past and their noble reputation. They are statuesque and grim, and not always about the pure pleasure of enjoyment. Oftentimes they're tannic and acidic beasts that give pleasure once they've had years of aging in barrel and bottle.

Well what about when you want your wine to give pleasure NOW? That's what Ottantadue (82 in Italian) is all about. This is a red with the verve, the deliciousness, and the lift to give all the joy, happiness and excitement you could muster. It's the type of red to take a rainy day and make it sunny, even if that sunshine's just in your soul.

It starts with fresh cranberries, red cherries and toasted spices. Even a hint of fruit punch comes through, but that's countered by the classic Sangiovese note of dried herbs like fennel frond, sage and marjoram. Serve this at cellar temp, but not too cold. Pair with pizza, pair with meatballs and red sauce, pair with turkey!

Tasting notes: red cherry, fennel, fruit punch, dried sage

Food pairing: roast turkey, chicken thighs, roasted carrots

Music pairing: "Wind, Brass & Bells" by A Vision of Panorama