2004 Vitiano – Falesco (Umbria – Italy)

The Vitano is made by Falesco, an Italian winery based in the Umbria region of Italy and is an equal blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The wine is then aged three months in small oak barrels.

Deep purple in color with fresh berry notes mixed in with licorice and herbs. Medium bodied with smooth texture and soft tannins. It ends with a nice medium long finish.

The price of this wine and its quality also make it very versatile in my opinion. It’s definitely a food wine and for approximately $8, there is no reason not to open this with pasta and Ragu, pizza, or even something like take out Mexican. I think it’s a great price per quality value and very solid.

I really like the Vitiano and consider it to be one of the best values on the market right now with prices in NYC Wine Stores ranging from $8 to $11. It can also be found nearly everywhere as there were 200,000 cases of the 2004 vintage produced.

Just a handful of places that carry it include Garnet on 68th and Lexington and at Sherry Lehmann on Madison and 62nd where both sell it for $9. Beacon Wine and Spirits on the Upper West Side sells it for $10. However, the best deal thought is $8 at PJ Wine on 207th and Broadway.