***I received this wine as a sample***

Last Friday, after a week of ups and downs on my big work project, everything was completed, submitted, and out of my hands. Admittedly, I made a few mistakes during the process, but being new, those were easily forgiven, and, overall, everyone seemed pleased with the end result. Normally, after a hard, but successful week, Friday would have been about relaxation and celebration, and add to the fact that it was the first night of Chanukkah, it would generally have been down right festive. However, I had a take-home final to tackle, so, instead of lighting candles and opening presents before enjoying the evening with Hubby, I cooked dinner, opened a bottle of chianti, and worked on my final.

The 2007 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico was 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Canaiolo grapes. The wine had a nice, deep color and an aroma that instinctively made me say “Mmmmm.” On the nose, there were cherries, cedar, strawberries, and tobacco mixed with a touch of black pepper, smoke, cocoa powder, and something meaty. In the mouth, there were strawberries, meat, tobacco, and violet petals with a touch of smoke, and cocoa powder. The wine had a bright, lime-like acidity, low tannins, and a medium body.

Is this worth a glass after work? Definitely! If you see this wine in the store, grab it; you won’t be disappointed. At $15, this is a complex, yet easily accessible and enjoyable wine that pairs amazingly well with Italian food. The Chianti’s true colors showed when I paired it with cheese ravioli in a tomato sauce and garlic bread. Truthfully, on its own, the Chianti is just ok, so if you don’t intend to drink it with with a good Italian dish, grab a differently bottle because you’ll be doing yourself and the wine a disservice. The food brought out basil, violet, and rose petals flavors while tempering the acidity in a way that made the wine sing in my mouth. The Chianti and ravioli provided the perfect diversion from my final and was great way to celebrate the first night of Chanukkah.

Overall: 3.5 Corks