The 1975 Poggio Reale Chianti Spalletti Riserva  cost under $10 back then, has a delightful 12% alcohol, and scored 18+ points our of 20 on the specific and more valued Dionysian scale.

It was all brick red with an amber-brownish edge. Its nose was filled with smoky, earthy damp forest, and dried tomato aromas. It was balanced and still had refreshing, cleansing acids.

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A wine like this should be the feature flavor for the evening and matched to the most basic food. I paired with with a home-made “mac & cheese.”

After decanting and immediately serving it, the aromas continue to develop for another half an hour, Well kept Chianti can age for decades. This 44 year-old Italian beauty could have easily reached 50.  It was a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo (reds) with white Trebbiano and Malvasia added to soften it. The old style. In Vino Veritas.

P.S. Contact me if you’d like to share some older wine…