Grifone Sangiovese, 2017 (Italy)

“Peas, Love & Happiness”

Price at Purchase: $5.99

Location: Trader Joe’s

We had so much success with the first Grifone Primitivo (and even had a guest post about it!) that we decided to go back to good ol’ TJs and test our luck again. Sangioveses are known for being more on the earthy side, and this bottle did not disappoint. It smells very minerally and dense, which was a welcome change to all of the fruit-forward wines we’ve been having lately. This is one where you’ll put your nose to the glass and go “Hmm, this is unique.” So, great conversation starter? You bet. Does that translate to a good wine? Eh, the jury is still out on that one. I can’t tell if the rustic notes threw me for a loop, or if my palate is just getting shittier. TBH, it’s probably both.

I was originally nervous about this bottle since my sister was serving salmon and salad, and this wine smelled like it would be way too intense for either of those options. I know, I know, who serves red wine with fish? We do, because we are are heathens. However, the first sip was actually light and refreshing, and surprised me by how much it resembled a pinot noir! Score! The tasting notes on the bottle even recommend pairing it with vegetarian or vegan dishes, so save your steak for another night.

As I had more of it, though, I definitely noticed how much it tasted like a cheap wine. In addition to recommending very specific food pairings, the label also advised that this bottle is best served chilled. So we stuck it in the fridge, counted down the 30 minutes until we could have our next glass, and tried it again. And honestly, it was just a blah experience. The lightness in flavor meant that there was very little body to it, which was made even more obvious when it was chilled.

But if you’ve got a subscription to Purple Carrot and are going to be munching on celery all night, then may this is the perfect bottle for you. Broc N’ Roll, dude.