2008 Trentatre Rosso

After reading favorable reviews in wine blogs, I decided to taste the 2008 Trentatre Rosso, a blend from the Apulia Region in Southern Italy. The wine is composed of 33.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33.3% Merlot, and 33.4% Montepulciano. It was aged for six months in oak barrels and is rated at 14% ABV. This particular wine is available at Trader Joe's for $5.99.

The wine's inky purple color was a great start. It was aromatically challenged and tasted sour right out of the bottle. Aeration opened up this wine. I got dark fruit on the nose. The initial tartness gave way to a medium-bodied wine with a smooth mouth feel and a hint of oak. The finish was short but pleasant.

The wine's tart character aside, it is a good value at six dollars.