To suit BATTERED POST-CHRISTMAS BUDGETS or as a last minute Christmas buy … Here’s a tasty Italian at a lip-smacking price. Resident Wine Editor MARY DOWEY recommends the Poggio al Casone Chianti Superiore, Castellani 2013
Although Christmas isn’t quite over yet, most of us may already harbour secret thoughts about the extravagance of it all – the intensity of what amounts to a month-long spending spree with some bills probably still shrieking for attention in the month ahead. If that sounds unnecessarily gloomy, it shouldn’t. Good news to ease the pain is that, for the next few days only, you may find this likeable Italian red in your local Spar or Mace at a ridiculously low price. Stock up while stocks last and you’ll be able to enjoy the occasional guilt-free glass even if funds are at rock-bottom in the new year.
Poggio al Casone has quite a lot going for it considering its modest price tag. From Tuscany’s biggest, best-known wine region, it’s not a basic Chianti but a Chianti Superiore – one step up in quality terms. It’s also organic. More important by far… it’s supremely drinkable. Medium-bodied rather than swashbuckling, it has a juicy, savoury character overlaid with hints of plums, spice and pepper. ‘Pleasurable’, I’ve scribbled in my tasting notebook – a word I’d like to see there more often. Team it up with pizza, pasta or Scrooge-inspired cheese on toast and you’ll smile.
From selected Spar and Mace stores; usually €12.99 but on special offer at €10.99 until December 30
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