The Wines!

(Italy) Capraia Chianti Classico 2010

Bottle $21.99     10% off mix 6 $19.79   15% off mix 12 $18.69

Wine Spectator 90 Points This muscular red shows depth and grip, offering notes of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and earth that ride out the firm tannins. Well-balanced in the end, conveying finesse. Best from 2014 through 2021.

(Italy) Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

Bottle $27.99     10% off mix 6 $25.19   15% off mix 12 $23.79

Wine Spectator 91 Points  Laced with notes of cherry and raspberry, this red is both intense and elegant, astringent in a pleasant, palate-cleansing way. Balanced, and an ideal match for salumi or pasta with a ragł. Fine length. Drink now through 2020.

(Italy) Benolto Monferrato Nebbiolo 2010 "Baby Barolo"

Bottle $17.99     10% off mix 6 $16.19   15% off mix 12 $15.29

(100% Nebbiolo; Monferrato, Italy)

This is the last vintage ever of this great wine due to the passing of winemaker Carlo Benotto in June, the family has decided to sell the winery and exit the wine business.  Ruby purple color with the classic Nebbiolo nose of bing cherries, hints of leather, barnyard and black currants,  rich medium to full bodied flavors offer perfectly balanced black fruits, hints of leather and a long smooth tannin finish. (think of it as a baby Barolo for a quarter of the price.)  This is an outstanding wine!  The grapes were all grown using no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.  Drink now to 2020.

Franco Serra Wines

Franco Serra is made by the Sperone family who has produced affordable, premium wines for four generations. In 1920, Antonio Sperone opened a small wine shop in Torino where he sold wine directly to consumers. Unsatisfied with the price and quality of the local wine, Antonio started his own winery in Puglia where land was inexpensive and produced good wine. He built a bottling facility in Torino and was soon able to offer his customers quality wines at prices everyone could afford. Sadly, it was destroyed when the city was bombed in WWII. The winery in Puglia survived the war and enabled Antonio's grandson Giacomo to open a new facility near Milan where he produced vermouth, sparkling wines, spirits and fine wines.

With the help of his sons Paolo and Antonio, the company grew quickly and achieved distribution throughout Italy and expanded into foreign markets. In 1965, the family purchased 75 acres of prime vineyards in Piedmont and built a new winery in Monferrato. Even as the prices fetched for wines from this increasingly fashionable region continue to climb, the Sperone family proudly focuses on value. The Franco Serra line provides everyone with the opportunity to drink thoughtfully crafted, distinctive wines from Italy's most renowned region.

Franco Serra Barbera D'Alba 2012

Bottle $12.99     10% off mix 6 $11.69   15% off mix 12 $11.04

Best Buy! Ruby red color, sweet spice, leather and hint of earth, medium bodied red raspberry and strawberry flavors are rich and supple through the long finish.  Drink now to 2017.

Franco Serra Dolcetto D'Alba 2012

Bottle $12.99     10% off mix 6 $11.69   15% off mix 12 $11.04

Best Buy! Ruby red color tending towards purple. The nose is pleasing and distinctive, light floral, red fruit aromas with hints of smoke. Soft with cranberry and raspberry fruit in the mouth with a touch of tobacco. Light to medium bodied with moderate acidity.  Drink now to 2017.

Franco Serra Barbaresco 2010

Bottle $27.99     10% off mix 6 $25.19   15% off mix 12 $23.79

This is hands down the best Barbaresco for under $50!!  The Sperone Family has hit a home run with this amazing wine!  Dark ruby color and richly scented, with notes of cherry, licorice, leather and sandalwood, luscious pure fruit emerges on the palate with perfectly balanced acidity and tannins, this wine is stunning from start to finish.  Drink now to 2020.