Bastianich Vespa Rosso 2014

Vespa Rosso is uncommonly fruit- forward and structured for a “cold weather” red wine, and yet it retains many of the spicy, earthy notes that characterize Friulian reds. The extra effort made in both the vineyard (sharply reducing yields) and the cellar (small batch fermentation in tonneaux) helps elevate Vespa Rosso beyond the ranks of everyday reds. GREAT WITH Steaks and braised red meats.

Pretty floral and spice aromas play on the nose of this well-knit, medium- to full-bodied red, which offers dried strawberry and date fruit flavors layered with hints of leather and cured tobacco. Harmonious, showing good focus through to the lightly chewy finish. Merlot, Schioppettino and Refosco.