Saturday, August 8, 2009

Wine Review: 2005 Viansa Sempre Avanti

Name: 2005 Viansa Sempre Avanti
Producer: Viansa
Region: USA, California, Sonoma County
Classification: N/A
Type: Red Wine
Variety: 50% Sangiovese, 27% Merlot, 15% Zinfandel, 7% Teroldego & 1% Cabernet Sauvignon
Year/Vintage: 2005
Bottle Size: 750ml
Purchased: $9.99, PA Wine Store
Date Logged: 08/08/2009
Pairing(s): Pizza
My Rating: 3-1/2 Stars

This is a $30 bottle of wine I got for 10 bucks. Sometimes this kind of markdown at the State Store is a red flag for a wine that has somehow not lived up to expectations. In this case, though, it seems like it IS actually a great value.

The nose is very interesting, with a predominant aroma of cedar and pencil shavings, with some nice dark berry undertones. It is very Italianesque on the palate, with a good complex mixture of spice, leather and raspberries. It follows with a nice smooth dose of tannins and a fairly long lingering finish. We had this with pizza and were not disappointed. It would also go well with heavier pasta dishes, maybe even a steak. I will definitely seek this out and buy again, especially if it is still at $10.

2 comments:

pinot said...

Where in PA did you buy this wine? I tasted it and it was excellent, but no one has it in the store.

pinot said...

Excellent wine. Where in PA did you buy it?