Blah. That's not what I was looking for.

Vasco Sassetti 2010 Sangiovese ($11.99)


So the bald guy, who usually steers me in a new and interesting direction at Total Wine guided me to this when I asked for something to go with red sauce. This was the first and only bottle he grabbed. He seemed confident, he's been good to me before. Now, full disclosure, last week was a tough week and the "red sauce" was not Beth's sauce in fact it was Stouffer's lasagna. Shhh, I don't want to be kicked out of the family). So, would it have been any better had we paired it with a quality  sauce? Had my wife slaved in the kitchen for hours, would this have been lights out awesome? I'm going to go in the opposite direction and say it would have ruined a lot of hard work and destroyed the meal.

I'm not ready to give up on Sangiovese. I think I've had a few that I've enjoyed, but this was tart and dry. Not a good combo for my palate.


Grade: D-

Italian Pinot. Who knew?

Conte Priola Pinot Noir ($6.99)


The bald guy at Total Wine knows his stuff. This isn't the first time he's suggested a cheaper European bottle that I never would have picked up on my own.

This was really really good. And for under $7? Fugitaboutit! Very flavorful, but smooth. It went well on its own before dinner and paired well with grilled salmon.

Note to self: Run back to Total Wine and stock up.

Grade: B (For the price, B+)