Casone Toscana – Two of My Favorite Things

Our latest Trader Joe’s find, the Casone Toscana, a tasty blend of Sangiovese and Syrah.

80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah from Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barriques.

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.) Imported by Latitude Wines.

From the bottle:

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.

13% Alcohol

As we’ve noted many times in the past, Trader Joe’s is renowned for their cheap wine. And while there are many gems in this bunch, unfortunately a lot of it also tastes cheap. Italian wine; however, seems to be a sweet spot for the retailer. Whether it be ridiculously inexpensive Barbera, Barbaresco or even Barolo, many of their Italian wines offer fantastic value. Today’s Super Tuscan follows that tradition nicely.

The 2010 Casone Toscana begins with a very pleasant aroma of black cherry, strawberry, spice, some balsamic notes and a little mint. 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. 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 a great value at just $10.99.

Looking for more of the best wines from Trader Joe’s? Click the pic below to check our giant listing along with tips and tricks for shopping the store!