Di Bruno Sangiovese "Stolpman Vineyards" 2002

There's a great little pizza and pasta place in Pasadena I like to go to when I'm down that way. You probably are familiar with the type of Italian food they make. Hand spun pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmigiana, and salads that are the size of basketballs. When I go I take at least one friend so I can order pizza and spaghetti with meatballs.

The table cloths are red and white checkered. The bread is garlicky and hot. The whole family is there for Saturday night. And they sell the Chianti in the wicker bottomed bottle from Italy. The one we used to turn into candle holders when we were young.

We all know Chianti, but not everyone may know that Chianti is made primarily with the Sangiovese grape. This versatile grape produces a wine similar to Zinfandel, that complements those hearty red sauces and spices of the family Italian cooking experience.

The Di Bruno is a classic example of Sangiovese, with spicy fruit smells and tastes, overlain with a hint of toasty oak. Bruno d'Alfonso, the ex-winemaker for Sanford Winery, has created a wonderfully affordable Italian style wine from Santa Barbara fruit obtained from the Stolpman people that would make a mama proud. You will need to provide your own wicker basket however, because this wine comes in the normal wine bottle. It will still take a candle in the top when the wine is gone. It's up to you.

$15.95 from the Amazing Wine Grapes people of Santa Margarita, California. I'm gonna need to check this place out! Thanks Jeff!! Now where's the pizza delivery number?

(Yes I know the label is wrong again! I could not find a 2002 lable. You would think people could post their dang labels!!)