People often ask me if they can buy a reasonably priced Italian wine in a retail shop. Well, for a quaffable wine try the Sangiovese Rubicone red from Umberto Cesari. Produced as an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) Rubicone in Emilia Romagna, this is a basic wine made from Sangiovese, the same grapes that go into making Chianti in the neighbouring Tuscany and even some Super Tuscans.

It's a dark ruby colour medium bodied dry but fruity wine. It has a powerful nose of bitter cherries and a lively palate, with good depth of cherry fruit, crisp acidity and decent structure. The wine may be light on weight but it is long on flavour. If you don't expect miracles from an entry level wine this is a good Italian to start  till you climb higher  to Chianti, Riservas and the expensive Super Tuscans.

Imported by Sonarys of Mumbai, It is available in most vends in Delhi run by  DTDC, DSIDC and the private run vends at Rs. 800.  Unfortunately, storage is pathetic in most places.  Mumbai is no better where Parry Wines, Jude Wines and several  shops sell it between Rs. 820 and 858 (in Mumbai the vendors are allowed to sell at a discount on the MRP). Modern Wines in Shivaji Park is being air-conditioned but has priced it at Rs. 858. The best deal is available from Shah Wines in Crawford market where it is sold at Rs. 610.  Wines may not be stored in the best environment but are stored here better than the other shops where they collect heat and dust and stand (pun intended) neglected.

If you are in a mood to order an inexpensive wine in a hotel or restaurant, it is available in Tonino ( Delhi ) at around Rs. 2000, informs Capt, Pratyoosh Vyas, the North India Marketing Manager. In Mumbai, I found it in the Menus of Grand Hyatt, Santa Cruz (Rs. 1600), Spaghetti Kitchen in the Phoenix Mills Mall (Rs.1100 - a must order with their delicious pizzas and pasta), Indigo in Colaba (Rs. 1750) and Zenzi in Bandra (Rs.2000).

This wine should be drunk fresh and consumed within 2-3 years. This vintage  is approaching its 'drink best for freshness date' fast. But enjoy it for the next few months at a party or with casual meals like pizzas, pastas or even with kebabs, meat cold cuts, burgers and robust tandoori chicken. Drink  at 16-18 °C.

Subhash Arora