Private Dinner

We decided on an Italian theme for our Christmas Eve dinner. Eating as we were with two family members who aren't "wine people," I chose wines that were more or less entry level. For the two of us who are wine people, however, I still wanted to have an interesting (and tasty) pairing. I picked two reds from Tuscany (representing two of my favorite producers), both made from the same variety (yes, I know the Pian del Ciampolo is only 90% Sangiovese), from the same vintage, and sold at the same price, whose grapes were grown only 50 miles apart from one another. The two wines couldn't have been more different.

Both wines were in perfect condition, and opened and poured below the shoulder approximately 90 minutes prior to serving.

Served with chickpea bruschetta (amuse) and insalata caprese.

• 2010 Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo Toscana IGT

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Ruby color. The bouquet is classic Montevertine: dark cherries, a little earth and rusticity. Just a hint of licorice and maybe a touch of wild strawberry. After a few hours, some herbaceous and green notes--maybe mint? In the mouth, light/medium bodied with smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. This is in a great place right now, but it really benefitted from extra air (I opened the bottle 90 minutes prior to serving, and it was enjoyed over the next 90 minutes). RECOMMENDED.

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Served with tajarin al ragu.

• 2010 Azienda Agricola La Torre Rosso di Montalcino

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

  Ruby color. Sweet dark cherries on the nose, accompanied by some vanilla and blue fruits, especially blueberries. In the mouth, this was medium/medium plus-bodied, with considerable depth to the fruit and other flavors. Really terrific. Pronounced acid in the mouth suggests significant aging potential. The finish is medium-long with slightly tart fruit. I don't recommend decanting, but note that this threw a fair bit of sediment. RECOMMENDED.

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The Pian del Ciampolo is typically my favorite of the two wines, but on this night the Rosso di Montalcino won out (three of four guests preferred it, myself included). It had more fruit (but was the farthest thing from jammy) and seemed the deeper wine. That having been said, the Pian del Ciampolo was also fantastic and I thoroughly look forward to my remaining bottles of the 2010 (to say nothing of the other vintages I have).