The 2008 Grifone Toscana 1967 is a Trader Joe’s ($5.99) exclusive blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah (known as a Super Tuscan blend, usually Bordeaux grapes are blended with the Sangiovese, but Syrah is not a Bordeaux grape) sourced from grapes grown in coastal vineyards in Tuscany, Italy. This blend is classified an IGT wine which indicates it is a declassified wine, the best wines of Italy have the DOC and the DOCG classification. The 1967 on the wine label is a tribute to the first year Grifone Cellars produced a Super Tuscan blend. The alcohol content is 12.5%.
The color is dark blood plasma red with black highlights and a pink rim. The nose is fresh cherries, a little chocolate with a faint floral edge. This is a soft, smooth wine with rounded flavors, not overly oaked. It tastes of strawberry and blueberry, with a touch of herbal tea and cocoa powder. The mid palate adds a little (very mild) butter cream frosting and red Twizzlers. A little of the oak dryness shows up on the finish.
The Grifone Toscana 1967 is a pretty solid little six buck bottle of wine. It tastes pretty good, it is not too oaky, especially for an inexpensive bottle that has been aging since 2008 and it is fairly balanced. A great choice for burgers and pizza and cheap enough for a case to be affordable for a holiday party.
