Monte Antico 1997 Toscano

Sangiovese or "Blood of Jove" is, without doubt, the red grape that one associates with Central Italy in general and Tuscany in particular. It is the grape of Tuscany's most famous red wines: Brunello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti. As in France, most wines in Italy are labeled as to where they come from rather than what they contain. This is often a source of frustration for American consumers who want to know from the label what grape varietal they are drinking. American wine labels (as well as those from other New World countries, and those of Germanic -speaking nations) generally list the grape varietal. Everyone recognizes, "Cabernet Sauvignon" ."Chardonnay", "Riesling" or even "Sangiovese", but many don't recognize Monte Antico.

I am hardly qualified to judge wine labels, but the label adorning Monte Antico is a real sleeper. Very classic, nice script, embossed, and printed on matte finish paper. And while I like the label, it doesn't really stand out and announce itself. So I have to make the announcement. "Yo, Pete here with your Wine Tip of the Day; if you like Chianti and want one from the mighty fine 1997 vintage at a Phat Price, buy this 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany. Monte Antico rocks the house!" Hmm. . .I was born on the wrong side of the Vietnam Era, and so I best abstain from Too Much Hipness. So let me instead just state this plainly: if you enjoy Sangiovese-based wines including those from Chianti, you should pick up a bottle of Monte Antico. In fact, I find that Monte Antico is better than anything from Chianti at its price point . . .at least. From my tasting notes: "Initial impressions of plums and dried cherries giving way to sweet, cured meat. There are also impressions of a smoky woodiness and fresh hay" (long lost summers spent bailing hay resurface). Perhaps it is no wonder why the label on Monte Antico is low-key. The wine speaks for itself.