A couple of new wines have popped up at our local Costco wine shop. A delicious Italian red from Tuscany that has been produced every year since 1946 by one of the oldest wine producing families in Italy and a super-concentrated Malbec from the Mendoza Valley in Argentina.

First up, the Italian. Antinori’s Santa Cristina was originally introduced in 1946 as a Chianti Classico by Marchese Piero Antinori’s father, Niccolò. But with the introduction of the 1984 DOCG laws, which required lower vineyard yields for Classico wines and hence more concentration, any wines wanting to be certified as Chianti Classico were required to be aged longer. So, with the 1987 vintage, Santa Cristina moved away from the Chianti Classico designation and in 1994, began including 10% Merlot to the blend to add softness and a fruit-forward character to the wine. The current vintage (2017) is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah and exhibits a deep ruby red colour with concentrated aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice and menthol with hints of almond, tobacco and dusty chocolate. Crisp on the palate, after 2 hours the wine had fully opened up so give it some time to breath. It could also benefit from a couple of years in the cellar. Fantastic bargain. One of the best-value Italian reds on the market. An incredible $10 at Costco.

The Argentine Malbec was a huge surprise. Rarely will you find a blockbuster wine at this price point. The 2014 Infinito Winemaker’s Selection Malbec ($12) has be rated by Wine Enthusiast magazine at 92/100 points saying…”A massive nose with huge blackberry and cassis aromas is ripe to the max. This Malbec is flush but still fairly fresh, so it succeeds in blending power with structure and balance. Flavors of blackberry and cassis show a chocolaty touch on the finish. Drink through 2023.”

We love it for its almost impenetrable purple/black colour, intoxicating aromas of black raspberries, black currants, crushed dried berries, cocoa, and grilled meat. On the mid-palate, the wine is pure, supple and full-bodied with flavours that are an extension of the aromas entwined with plums, chocolate and toasty oak. The soft acidity and firm tannins on the finish make this a wine that has some aging potential. Ready to enjoy now for the sheer intensity or it can be cellared for another 3-5 years. Stock up now for the summer grilling season because this is perfect with grilled lamb leg or an inch thick rib eye. But ready to go tonight with a rich wintry stew.

Costco has the Infinito currently on a case discount. $12 off when you buy a case.

In Vino Veritas