Le Fraghe Bardolino, Italy

My favorite wine store ran out of the Valpolicella that I usually buy, but they suggested this instead. It is from the same region in North east Italy called Veneto. Bardolino it is a sub region on the south east shore of lake Garda. It is made with Corvina and Rondinell grapes like Valpolicella, but wines from Bardolino tend to use a little less Corvino (the variety that provides structure). It appears a purple-tinged ruby red of medium intensity. You can smell sweet-sour cherry and blueberry, and spicy nuances of cinnamon and black pepper. The distinctive hallmark of this wine is without a doubt the elegance that one experiences on the palate. Nice soft tannins and a balance between acidity characteristic of wines of this area. You can get this for around $15. Enjoy it with anything Italian, especially light meats, cheese and highly acidic sauces.