As we come to the end of "almost summer" and into "summer proper," we reflect with a lighter, youthful red wine that can still be had without major weight and too much tannin (it’s not often you will hear me say too much tannin, so take this in). Last night my husband and I were enjoying our last night of vacation at home and decided to drink some vino. I asked, "red or white?" as I always do, and he says he'd prefer red. My mind scrolls through my list of reds that don’t need ageing and aren't too heavy for 90 degree weather, and I stop on a favorite of mine that I always seem to keep a bottle of. Now I know this was just mentioned in the Wine Journal, but I couldn’t let it stop there. 

La Cappuccina Madego

This Estate bottled, organic wine just hits the spot!  It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere (something you don’t see in Italy every day). These vines are grown in Veneto; Madego was named after the vineyard and is meant to be drunk young to feature the full bright fruit blending with the oak. I get the flavors of rich blackberry, plums, and notes of clove.  It went perfectly with dinner, but I have to say after visiting Italy, I am now in the market to learn how to make my own pasta! 

Along with opening this wine, my other favorite part of drinking it was the fact that my husband says, “Oh wow, I like this one,” even before I had a chance to ask. So I guess that means I can keep this one around. Oh, and for the price I can keep two without breaking the bank. So if you need a great red this summer I do suggest this La Cappuccina! If you are looking for a white, they have you covered with Nadia Bianco. And don’t forget, if you are looking for an organic wine--they have you there, too!  Look for these in your Italian section or find our organic wine display.  

Kathleen Anderson, NW FL wine supervisor. Follow me on Twitter @abcwinekat.