Italian Wine as a Gift

Hi Everyone,

I joined this group because I need help - I'm definitely far from a wine connoisseur.
I'm finishing up a study abroad in Rome, and decided that for two of my "wino" relatives I'd bring back bottles of Italian wine. I was in Siena last weekend, and figured where better than to buy wine than in Tuscany? So I bought two bottles of Chianti Classico. Then, the next morning I remembered that the two I'm buying for are almost exclusively Merlot drinkers. Aside from the fact that they should just appreciate the gift - do you think they'll enjoy the wine?

Thanks so much!
Michelle

Well, typical American/New World/CA merlot is pretty soft and low-acid, whereas typical Chianti is pretty high acid. So, in that case this might be a new type of wine for your relatives.

Of course much could depend on the vintage (03 and 05 were hot years so the Chianti from those years is lower in acid) and also on the winemaking. Perhaps you could post more details, i.e. the vintage and the producer?

If you want something that is more in line with the "typical" CA palate you might look for wines from Southern Italy, which tend to be richer.

But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't also stick with the Chianti, exploration can be fun

The above answer is right so I won't repeat....but....

It's really nice that you would think of your two friends when you are on YOUR vacation. On top of that, two bottles of any wine is not light in weight and requires a lot of attention when traveling with.

I think that you should keep the two bottles and (even though they may be really good friends) start begin to focus more on your vacation! Italy is a beautiful place to see. Stop worrying your souveniers for friends and start to make sure you enjoy your trip!

Have a great rest of the trip!!!

Don't forget you'll have to pack the bottles in your check-in baggage.

You can get Merlot in Italy, but if your friends exclusively drink Merlot then it seems they are not adventurous, may only drink one or two favourite brands. I reckon you'd be better off keeping the Chianti for yourself and finding some other souvenir for them.

I go along with what the others say about keeping those Chiantis for yourself if your friends' horizons are limited to Merlot. However if you still feel that you want to give them wine, don't despair because a number of famous Italian wines are Merlot dominated. There are some excellent wine shops in Rome who can help you; my favourite is Trimani in Via Goito in the north-eastern part of the city.

Wines with between 50 and 100% Merlot, which spring to mind, are Montiano and Vitiano from Falesco on the border of Lazio and Umbria (a possible half-day excursion from Rome only about 100km), Lamaione from Castelgiacondo, Masseto from Ornellaia and Siepi from Fontrutoli all from Tuscany; and there are many others. These are all, however, quite expensive except Vitiano. I don't know what your budget is but I'm sure that a good enoteca will be able to guide you well.

Petrolo Galatrona is 100% Merlot from Tuscany and regarded by many to be the best Merlot in Italy. But it is available in the USA and it is expensive. Why not try and broaden some horizons with a bottle you can't find stateside or with a wine you especially enjoyed during your stay? They probably won't be too upset with whatever you bring home.