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6 bottle level     $34 (member price $30)
60% Sangiovese, 40% Syrah   13.5% ABV

Next to the ancient hilltop village of Montecucco (just south of Montalcino) lies the Braccia Larghe Vineyard.  They grow Sangiovese, but also Syrah.  Syrah has been gaining popularity as a blending grape in Tuscany.  De Vinosalvo’s Winemaker / Partner is Australian-Italian, and cut her teeth on making Shiraz down under.  (This wine is nothing like Aussie Shiraz!)  Wine club veterans may remember Campi Nuovi Montecucco in 2022.  I described Campi Nuovi as “Pure Italy“, and this Auspicium is similar.  The grapes were harvested in 2016, and aged in stainless steel for 5 years before the first batch was released.  As they get orders, they bottle more and let it rest for an additional six months before shipping.  Tangy red cherry, rhubard, balsamic, anise, leather, tobacco, whiff of brett.  This is a food wine, meant for rustic cuisine, including lamb.  Fruit forward California drinkers might be iffy.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
This blend pairs perfectly with wood fired veal ribeye served over grilled asparagus; bacon, broccoli, caramelized onion and Gruyere quiche; herbed lamb chops with cannellini bean puree; beef tenderloin with a balsamic reduction; classic Osso Buco over risotto Milanese; barbecued lamb kebabs; rustic pasta bolognese; tagliatelle with wild boar ragù; truffled ravioli with shaved Pecorino; and wood fired sausage and pepperoni pizza. It’s equally delicious with regional aged cheeses such as Pecorino d’Abruzzo and Talamello.