2007 Casadei Sogno Mediterraneo

 An IGT Sangiovese bought in Cellar Bottle Shop. This is one I'd been eyeing for a while and thought, what the hell. It's Saturday and I've been pouring wine all day... I deserve a treat. I chose the wine to accompany homemade pizza with spicy coppa, mozzarella and a garlic butter sauce. My secret weapon for the pizza was rubbing truffled olive oil on the crust.
 When I first opened the wine it seemed a bit closed but time really let this wine shine. First sniff was rusty earth that I associate with Italy. It brings this image to mind of an old nail covered in red rust. The alcohol was noticeable on the nose, but it blew off after about 15 minutes in the glass. This is the type of the wine I love to drink because each time I went back to the glass there was something different to find- it just continued to unfold layers of dark fruit like blackberry and plum. Mint and black tea spice started to come out as well.
 The palate was soft and lean - the bit of age on the bottle had really allowed the tannin to softened, but that hardcore Sangiovese acid was there to pick up where the tannin had left off. I love that about Sangiovese- it's this battle between tannin and acid where they trade off in leading the structure race but acid is always there at the end. It's a reaction wine- you get this huge flavor, spice, and then when the ride is over you're left with a mouth full of saliva that begs to be washed away with another sip. Dried cherry and red currant were commanding the mid-palate  and the flavors mingled with the light oak and spicy herbs beautifully.
 I left the glass for an hour and returned with delight. Much more open and giving, this wine was like a woman on a first date. She makes you take her to dinner and listen to her small talk. Eventually she opens up and shows who she really is. Still soft but incredibly full, this red had become a bit plump but the acid kept the body in control. It allowed the wine to spread out and take up space on the palate but it's focused quickly returned for the finish. Rich red fruits, purple flowers, baking spice and a touch of fresh bud green were seamlessly sharing the spotlight in this now fully present Sangiovese. Bright attack and a rich mid-palate, this finish lingered long after 20 seconds. Overall- an playful yet elegant addition to pizza night.