D'Aquino Chianti DOCG - 2009

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $4.99

Variety: 75-100% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo and up to 20% any other approved red grape variety

Lori's score: 6.5/10

Nate's score: 6/10

Comments: 

Don't totally remember the very first sip, and drank too much of it since then, but I remember thinking that it must be really young because it was a bit sharp. It obviously got better as I drank it, but it shouldn't have to be that way. 

Pairing: 

Gaetano D'Aquino Chianti Riserva (unknown - 2008?)

 

Leaving this as a place holder

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $?? < $9

Variety: 75-100% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo and up to 20% any other approved red grape variety

Lori's score:

Nate's score: 

Comments: 

I drank this and didnt document. Need to buy again. It was pretty good. Dont remember the vintage.

Pairing: 

Tisdale Merlot

Place to buy: Unknown

Cost:  < $5

Variety: Merlot

Lori's score: 6.5/10

Nate's score: 5/10

Nate's Comments: 

First thing you notice is wow, its very very berry tasting. I saw someone mention bubble gum, and while thats a bit extreme, it's not far from that. There are some tannins noticeable after the swallow. To me, they were more from the tongue and nearly no throat burning. The aftertaste is the problem. There's just not much to it other than this tinny/slight tanniny taste. 1 minute after I swallowed the wine, I would have never known I drank any wine. I think maybe its just the young age. It's ok, but for the same price, I've tasted better.

Pairing: Bottle says favorite salad, pasta or grilled meat.

2008 Archeo Nero d'Avola Ruggero di Tasso Sicilia IGT

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $4.99

Variety: Nero d'Avola

Lori's score: 7/10

Nate's score: 6.5/10

Comments: 

First thing that we both noticed was how "clean" the wine tasted. Almost no tannins. This increased while it sat, but definitely very light overall. The bottle mentions a light "jam" like taste, which I noticed at first, but not after half a glass.

Pairing: Bottle says Red Sauce Dishes and Grilled Meats