Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato, 2006

This red wine is from the Campania region of Southern Italy and is made from the Aglianico grape. Feudi di San Gregorio uses modern techniques to craft wines with distinctive characteristics of Campania; dark fruit, abundant tannins and crisp acidity. The 2006 Rubrato has a dark ruby red color and is nearly opaque. On the nose is aromas of fresh cherries, plums, violets and earth. This is a medium bodied wine loaded with flavors of black cherry, prune, cranberry, licorice, vanilla and cracked black pepper. There are moderate levels of grainy tannins and a crisp acidity that blend with some underlying minerality and essence of coffee. We enjoyed this lovely wine with a Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Pesto and Balsamic Glazed Zucchini. This wine can be found in the Seattle area for about $15 and will pair well with a hearty grilled steak or a zesty Italian Pasta.