The Di Majo Norante sangiovese is not Chianti – but it’s not supposed to be, and it’s enjoyable in its own right
Chianti is Chianti is Chianti – until it isn’t. Which is what brings us to the Di Majo Norante Sangiovese.
It’s an Italian red made with the same grape as Chianti, one of Italy’s great wines, but it doesn’t come from the same region. Hence, some significant – and intriguing – differences.
Foremost, though, tthe Di Majo Norante Sangiovese ($10, purchased, 13.5%) is well worth drinking, and especially at this price. Just don’t expect expect it to taste like Chianti. It’s rounder and fuller, without the sharp edges common to many $10 Chiantis. But it still has sangiovese’s characteristic cherry fruit, as well as its Italian freshness.
In this, it sits somewhere between the Falesco Vitiano red, which blends sangiovese with cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and more traditional $10 Chiantis like the Straccali. This is neither good nor bad, no matter what some score-driven reviews might say. It’s a function of the grapes and the region (south central Italy) and what the winemaker wants to do; in this case, the winemaker has made an enjoyable $10 wine.
Drink this with the usual sort of red sauce dinners, and it would also hold up to spring barbecues as the weather warms up. Bratwurst, anyone?
Imported by Winebow