Terre di Fiori Acanto IGT Maremma Toscana 2008

Here is a SuperTuscan blend of 85% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that is fermented in steel tanks for 15 days then barrel aged for 6-8 months in French oak, and finally in bottle for 3-6 months.

Deep ruby colors with complex aromas of dark underbrush, earth, raisins and prunes, some vegetal hints, black and blue fruits, silky, round and noble, intense on the palate where dusty violets display an attractive elegance but with subtlety... cassis and smoke on the finish. This delicious bargain is $21 SRP.

Macari Rose 2010

To me, sometimes fruit is a better thirst quencher than a simple glass of water. And the Macari Rose 2010 from Long Island's North Fork is a case in point. The wonderful wet aromas of a freshly cut watermelon... luscious ripe strawberries picked this morning... and juicy red berries previewing the bright flavors of fresh squeezed cherries and contrasting nicely with hints of citrus to balance things out. And ending happily with a smooth and long finish.

The blend by the way is 70.7% merlot, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, 9.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5.6% Malbec with 13.8% alcohol. This is a summertime must-have at $15 SRP.

See another review of this wine by Eric Guido