6 bottle level     $35 (member price $30)
100% Sangiovese.  14.5% ABV

The Frescobaldis are one of Italy’s leading wine families, having made wine in Tuscany for 700+ years.  Their history is full of intrigue, money lending and influence peddling in Tuscany, Rome, England, and beyond.  They’ve seen huge wealth and bankruptcy several times throughout the centuries.  Their family bases are Chianti and Florence, but they’ve expanded to Bolgheri to make the famous Super Tuscan Ornellaia.  In December, we featured Nipozzano; this Montesodi is its big brother.  Chianti Rufina is in NE Chianti, East of Florence.  While not in Chianti Classico, many people consider Rufina to be an equal.  18 months in Austrian and French oak barrels.  Tart cherry, strawberry, violet, balsamic, anise, leather.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Try this earthy Italian red with Florentine steak with crispy parsley potatoes, classic eggplant Parmesan and pasta, lasagna Bolognese with creamy layers of bechamel and Mozzarella, bacon‐wrapped filet mignon over red‐wine risotto, braised veal cheek ravioli with shaved Pecorino, coffee‐marinated lamb brochettes, duck breasts with hazelnuts over Fontina polenta, grilled lamb chops with garlic and rosemary, Italian‐style beef stew or grilled rib eye steaks with tarragon, shallot and peppercorn sauce. Hard Italian cheeses like Parmesan, Tallegio, Pecorino and Asiago and cured Italian meats also make for a delightful treat.