The Casone Toscana, a tasty blend of Sangiovese and Syrah from Trader Joe's.
80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah from Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barriques and another 12 months in bottle before release.
The Casone Toscana has an SRP of $30 but is pretty much only available at Trader Joe's (at least in the U.S.) -- the good news is that it will only set you back $10.99 if your local store has it! (Check for other local retailers here.) It is imported by Latitude Wines.
Our Toscana is produced with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah grapes, attentively harvested by hand and selected to give birth to this wine that refines for twelve months in barriques by 225 litres in the cellar of Poggio al Casone Estate, legendary vineyard of the Castellani Family. The estate is situated in Crespina, ancient village on the Pisan Hills just a few kilometres from the Tuscan coast.
Bottled by Castellani
13% Alcohol
The 2013 Casone Toscana from Tenuta Poggio Al Casone begins with a very pleasant aroma of black cherry, strawberry, spice, cedar some balsamic notes and a little mint. It does need a bit of time to fully open up so be sure to give it some air.
Taking a sip reveals a smooth and soft mouthfeel with well integrated spice and leather. Black cherry, sweet berry notes, cola, pepper and a little vanilla also combine seamlessly in this medium-bodied wine with good complexity and acidity. We last reviewed the 2010 vintage and found this one to be similar but perhaps lacking a bit of depth.
It ends dry with the balsamic notes from the nose returning and lingering in the mouth for quite awhile. Overall this is a very drinkable wine and still a good value at just $10.99.
You can also find more of our favorite wine from Italy here!
