Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
May 17, 2022
20 Buck Bottle: A balanced Italian red
A Super Tuscan blend from Tuscany
2020 Baracchi O’Lillo, Tuscany, Italy
Blend: 25% each Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Available at: winestore, SouthPark
Price: $14.99
On the Nose: Cherry, berries, bright, fresh
On the Palate: Medium+ body, elegant finish, balanced tannins
On the Plate: Rabbit, pheasant, dark turkey meat, burgers
Our Take: This is a good, solid red for a variety of foods and palates
Fun Fact: The Italian wine ranking system has four categories: DOCG, which is given to the top rated wines, such as Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone. Second is DOC, which is often allocated to Chianti, Vermentino, Valpolicello, and many other wines. Third is IGT, which is a mash up of who knows what – if you purchase a bottle of Antinori Tignanello, which is one of the most iconic wines of Tuscany, and costs $125 – $150 per bottle, it will have the IGT designation because the wine contains cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and sangiovese. The red grape that is approved for making red wines from Tuscany is sangiovese, so only wines that contain 85 percent or more of sangiovese can receive the DOC or DOCG designation. Confused? The Italian wine rating systems needs a serious overhaul so consumers can make informed decisions. The fourth designation is VdT, which is basic table wine, and not many of those bottles get exported.
