Scoring a fine 15+ points on the 20-point Dionysian scale, the 2009 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva has 14% alcohol and cost under $25. It’s made by the Zingarelli family.

It has a gig nose with red fruits, cherries, red raspberry and spices, and oak, the wine was balanced and designed to be served with food.

Served with a cheese based pasta and lots of garden greens.

The edge had a hint of orange-amber, but the wine has another decade at least. This is an excellent wine to cellar and it’s easy to drink. I wish the alcohol was down a bit, and their use of French Oak aging hides the terroir as being honestly Italian. However, it is very well made. In Vino Veritas.