Awaiting the big splurge of Tuscan wine to arrive, I've been buying mostly low-cost vino lately. One pleasant discovery is the Corvina/Corvinone/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend produced by the Veronese house of Zeni. It is called Costalago. It cost $10.99 at the wine shop across the street, and it was an enjoyable, dry, lip-smacking accompaniment to last night's pizza.
The wine is made with the ripasso method (partial drying of the grapes for greater concentration and richness). It cannot be called ripasso because of the addition of the Bordeaux grapes. Maybe I'm wrong but I tend to associate ripasso with a wine of greater fullness, even a hint of sweetness, than this. I liked the Costalago as it is, however, as a simple, satisfying food wine. I would call it a good value for the money, especially with regard to Tuscan and Piedmontese wines with similar taste profiles.
It must have a big following Germany and Austria, like so many wines from the Veneto and the Northeast generally; a Google search listed mostly German-language retailers and reviews. I had never seen it on our store shelves and so was eager to try it. Not bad at all.
Hi Terry!
Recentemente ho assaggiato anch'io il Costalago. It's a good wine for its value, but...
if you prefer something original from Zeni, try "Cruino", from Corvinone 100%.
It's special! and more attractive, believe me. Unfortunately, it's more expensive, too...
Liz
Posted by: Lizzy | October 16, 2006 at 03:16 AM
Ah, more expensive. Right now, Lizzy, that is a big problem for me.
I would like to try the 100% Corvinone -- maybe when I am in Italy for Vinitaly, eh?
I have to admit, too, that I am coming to like and even respect the blends of autochthonous and "imported" grapes more and more. Don't think me a heretic for saying so...
Posted by: Terry Hughes | October 16, 2006 at 06:39 AM
Don't worry, Terry, at Vinitaly a "Cruino" bottle will be for you!
Posted by: Lizzy | October 17, 2006 at 04:57 AM
Lizzy, are you trying to get me drunk...?
Bene, accetto la sfida.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | October 17, 2006 at 05:31 PM
Hello Terry,
I will try to find this selection at our local wine mall (Total Wine) this weekend; I have not had pizza all year long and this may be just the reason to enjoy a few slices.
Happy Sipping!
Dezel
Posted by: Dezel | October 17, 2006 at 11:58 PM