| I'm not a gourmet cook, but occasionally I grab my | | | | palate with excess alcohol. Distinct aromas of |
| pizza stone and whip together a brick oven | | | | mushroom and earth carry through to the palate |
| masterpiece with fresh mozzarella and homemade | | | | where they are supported by subtle red berry |
| tomato sauce accented by a touch of pesto. For this | | | | flavors, hints of spice, vanilla and licorice. This is a full |
| classic, I am often torn between drinking a California | | | | bodied wine that is silky smooth and finishes with |
| Cabernet and Chianti Classico. | | | | elegant tannins. |
| A delicious Italian red that threads this needle is the | | | | One of the hallmarks of Italian wine -- and culture -- |
| 2000 Carpineto, Farnito which is 100% Cabernet | | | | is that they drink wine with food. In fact, food and |
| Sauvignon. This Super Tuscan (a Tuscan red that falls | | | | wine are married together in a way that no other |
| outside the traditional blending laws) displays the ripe | | | | country or culture can match. They are meant to be |
| rich fruit of a California Cabernet as well as the subtle | | | | enjoyed together as an enhancer to the taste of |
| earthy nuances of a Chianti, but without its | | | | both products, as well as a way to unite the people |
| overpowering acidity. | | | | at the table. |
| What is truly special about this Italian gem - besides | | | | Enjoy not only with brick oven pizza, but with |
| its price - is how well it compliments food. It doesn't | | | | meatballs and spaghetti, lasagna, steak and cheese. |
| overwhelm with overly extracted fruit or numb your | | | | |