ETRUSCAN INFILTRATION

Our dynamic duo from RNDC/Kentucky - Tom and David - came by with Tom Steele of Triple Crown Brokerage and the wines of Candoni, a line of solid Italian values probably more known for the Etruscan-themed painted bottles. These were fiarly nice wines, and the prices were good too. Just not sure about the packaging; I kinda like ‘em but my assistant Shannon wasn’t sold.

Candoni Prosecco NV. Grade=Average. Very simple Prosecco with not much in the way of fruit. Pleasing effervescence and one-note minerality with muted stone fruit character. It’s just okay.

Charming Life Prosecco Veneto IGT NV. Grade=Average. New to the Candoni family, again, not a lot going on. The Candoni bottling was a little better.

Candoni Organic Pinot Grigio Veneto IGT 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Surprising amounts of citrus and viscous stone fruit flavors. Has a nice amount of body to what would otherwise be construed as just another PG. Pretty good stuff.

Candoni Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC 2008. Grade=Average. More of the typical lemon water PG that you find more often than not. I’d definitely go with the organic version.

Candoni Moscato d’Italia Apulia DOC NV. Grade=Amazing. Here is a superb Moscato, with great balance between the sweet apricot and peach you typically find and well-balanced acidity that you don’t always find in Moscato. Floral, lively and delicious.

Candoni Organic Merlot Friuli DOC 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Really nice medium-bodied red with bright cherry and red plum notes, hints of mineral, spice and earth, and well-balanced acidity. Has a good grip and finishes long and dry.

Candoni Pinot Noir Veneto IGT 2008. Grade=Average. Very simple, light-bodied red with transparent notes of cherry, strawberry and cola. Falls short on the finish.

Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Solid Chianti. Primarily Sangiovese with Merlot for added plum and black cherry characteristics. Has nice notes of spice, tobacco, mineral and earth. Decent example of the region.