Value Beats Vintage

Almost ten years ago, I blind tasted a very inexpensive Umbrian wine against a vintage Amarone from Valpolicella. My wife, Michelle, and I, joined two other couples, who at the time knew more about wine than anyone we knew. I simply explained to them that both were Italian wines, and that one cost $70 and the other cost $10. To my surprise, 4 out of 5 of them chose the value bottle as the more expensive wine.

To this day, Falesco Vitiano has become my favorite party wine. Whenever we are having a soiree and need to buy a case, Vitiano has never failed us! The equal parts of Cabernet, Merlot, and Sangiovese are grown in the hills surrounding Orvieto, in Umbria, producing a deep, dark purple color that is just a precursor to the velvety flavors of this Italian mavel. Dark fruits accompanied with supple tanins present a wine that can stand up to spices and red meats. For under $10, you can buy a case and be free to enjoy on a daily basis.

By the way, I don't think this blind tasting was as much about a poor tasting vintage wine, it was more about a great tasting value wine.