Banfi - Centina Red and Rosa Regale

I don't know where the week has gone.  I've missed a couple days posting wine reviews and haven't even posted about last weekends tastings.  I don't know if it was the long holiday weekend, hot days, or thunderstorms, but I've lost focus.  With that said, I'll review the wines for last weekends tasting.  Friday's tasting was for three wines. 

First was Rex-Goliath Chardonnay.  A non-vintage wine from California.  I've reviewed this before. It's a reliable, inexpensive everyday wine and customers enjoy it.  Crisp and refreshing.

Next was Banfi 2007 Centine Toscana ($10) from Tuscany, Italy and a blend of  60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot.  In the plastic tasting cup, I was not able to detect an aroma (yes, there is an aroma, the plastic cup is a hindrance).  However, the flavor was smokey with a hint of coffee and oak.  A long spice finish and medium tannins.  Customers enjoyed.

Winemaker's Notes:  Deep mauve red color.  On the nose fruity notes of raspberry and plums, but also spicy hints of coffee, liquorices and cinnamon. The complex structure, soft and round at the same time, makes this wine particularly elegant. Long finish.  Food pairing: roasts, game and medium aged cheese.

Last, Banfi 2010 Rosa Regale ($21) from Italy. The varietal is 100% Brachetto d'Acqui. This is a sweet bubbly dessert wine with a terrific raspberry aroma and flavor.  A fun wine that makes a to die for pairing with dark chocolate.  Seductive.  Great for the holidays, special celebrations and especially Valentine's day.  Customers enjoy this.

Winemaker's Notes:  A persistent perlage characterizes this bright ruby red sparkling wine. The bouquet is very intense, aromatic and reminiscent of wild berries, strawberries and Bulgarian rose. On the palate Rosa Regale shows well balanced acidity with sweet and aromatic notes, which are persistent and long on the finish.