The Tasting Room with Tom

Just wrapped up a great radio set with Tom Leykis. He has got a very cool DIY radio wine thing going. He is calling his own shots and doing his own thing. He can be found at: http://www.tastingwithtom.com/

I took five of our current favorite wines. These are great value, old world wines that really represent what Rosso Wine Shop looks to do - find good quality, interesting, food-friendly wines that deliver better value than what they are priced at. I think we more than succeed with these 5 picks!

2009 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, France ($14.99)
100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Pale yellow. Lime zest and lemongrass on the nose, with touches of sage and mint adding complexity. Racy, focused citrus and underripe apple flavors show good clarity and pick up a sweeter tangerine quality with air. This easy-drinking wine finishes with good clarity and stony persistence.

2009 Domaine Amido Tavel Rosé, France ($14.99)
The only appellation in France that exclusively produces Rosé wine. This one is made with 65% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 10% Syrah and 5% Clairette. It is a richly colored rosé, with cherry, strawberry and a touch of almond flower flavors. Lots of freshness on the palate, and with enough body to match with a variety of foods.

2007 Barberani Polago, Umbria, Italy ($14.99)
Located in one of the oldest winemaking regions in Italy, the Barberani Winery is situated along the Tiber river, right above the road from Orvieto to Todi. Barberani's vineyards sit in the heart of the Umbrian hills, nestled among the olive groves and forests. This fresh wine is a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. Ruby red in color. Fruity and lightly herbaceous. Good body and pleasant aromas.

2007 Cascina Gilli Freisa d'Asti, Piemonte, Italy ($14.99)
100% Freisa d'Asti. Fresh and at the same time velvety, lovely raspberry notes predominate. Much softer and more structured than the usual Freisa, capable of aging for a few years. The skin is left on the grapes for 5-6 days, soaked in the must with frequent mixing to obtain a good extraction of color. Stored in steel barrels for one year to preserve the freshness of its fruit. Bottled after 12 months, it matures in the bottle for several months and can be kept for several years.

2007 Musto Carmelitano Aglianico del Vulture Pian Del Moro, Italy ($19.99)
100% Aglianico del Vulture. A single-vineyard red wine that combines all the power of Aglianico del Vulture with intense fruit and acidity that will keep it alive and fresh for years. Grown as lberelli (bush) and under the guyot method. The vines average 40-50 years old. Harvested by hand. Fermented in steel. Spends at least 12 months in French oak tonneaux and 2 months in bottle before release. Ruby-violet in color, the nose and palate perceive complex notes of raspberries, lavender, licorice, chalk and sweet spices.