Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano Dry Red Wine 2014

Region: Abruzzo, Italy

Wine Spectator: 88 points

Vivino app rating: 3.7/5

Average Price: $14.99

Let’s start by admiring how darm cute this bottle is with the little twig or stick (whatever you want to call it) hanging around the bottle’s neck. This wine is aka the “Twig Wine.” The writing and font on the bottle, while excessive, is alluring and give’s you an Italian vibe if that makes any sense whatsoever!

Some notes about the wine:

Intense violet robe. Aromas of plums and ripe blackberry. Each sip delivers a mouthful of ripe berries, leather and black pepper with subtle hints of oregano, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla; all leading to a dry, supple finish.

The Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano dry red wine 2014 is smooth and perfect for wine drinking in any weather. The notes of berries are evident here. This wine is made is the Abruzzo region of Italy from the Montepulciano grape. For those of you stuck on your California wines, the montepulcianno grape produces wine that is lighter than a cab, but heavier than a pinot noir. Perfect balance in my opinion!

The Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano dry red wine 2014 pairs well with chicken and turkey.

I really like this red wine a lot, and as I’ve said before, I believe the Vivino rating is a little underrated! I would rate this wine a 3.9/5. This will be the wine to open you up to more Italian wines if you are not well versed in this region already. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Salute!

Gnarly Head 1924 Red Blend 2014

Region: Lodi Region, California

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

Vivino app rating: 3.8/5

Average Price: $11

Amazing value and amazing taste! The dark ruby colored wine is smooth and full of spicy and licorice tastes and aromas. The blackberry and raspberry notes are mesmerizing. I was so happy drinking this wine. It literally made my night.

Some cool tid bits about the winemaking:

Fruit for Gnarly Head 1924 Double Black was harvested during the cool night hours and then delivered to the winery. Following de-stemming, the grapes were fermented slowly in stainless steel fermenters and then pressed gently into stainless steel tanks. The wine was then racked onto a combination of French and American oak to age for several months to further develop layers of complexity in the final blend.

The Gnarly Head 1924 Red Blend pairs well with spicy meats, lamb, and any meats smothered in BBQ sauce!

I really like this red blend a lot, and I believe the Vivino rating is so underrated! I would rate this wine a 4.0/5. The value is awesome and my husband and I agreed that it is a smooth, inviting wine! Give the Gnarly Head 1924 red blend a try!