Monday 23 March 2009

Fill Your Stivali !

Until yesterday I'd always avoided the Chiantis of Familae Piccini. They mass on too many shelves and seem to spend more time discounted than they ever do at full price. So I don't know what came over me when I grabbed this bottle from Sainsbury's. But I'm glad it did.
It's seriously tasty. A classic old style Chianti. Best drunk while wearing a cravate and calling yourself 'Marchese'.
It has an almost floral nose with hints of orange.... and something of the forest floor? On the palate there's a lot of acidity and quite a bit of tannin. The label suggests it's great with red meats, game and cheeses. Well, it went pretty well Guinea Fowl last night and pasta with tomato sauce tonight. Yes, I went back for more.... only to discover someone, probably a savvy Trattoria owner, had cleaned out the promotional shelf. Luckily they'd missed a stash in the main section so I grabbed 6. Both 2004 and 2005 were available. I went for 2004 but only because I've read it was the better vintage in Tuscany.
Familae Piccini Chianti Riserva 2004: Sainsburys down from £9.99 to £4.99. At that price it really is a bargain. But you may need to hurry..... or drink it at your local Italian, where I suspect it'll be a bit more than £4.99.

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