Cantina Peppucci's Alter Ego 2007

One of our greatest joys is to be able to share with you these little wine gems that you might otherwise overlook. As far as Alter Ego, when we say little gem, we really mean a big blockbuster of a jewel, rich dark and full bodied. This wine is 95% Sagrantino, a grape variety native to Umbria. And from this not-so-famous grape, Cantina Peppucci has created a wine to rival nearby Tuscany's more famous Brunello. The word for this inky wine is luxurious. It surrounds and seduces you. Move over Aussie Shiraz, we have a new favorite for our Easter rack of lamb. (recipe here) Run to your favorite wine store and ask them for Cantina Peppucci's Alter Ego.

Sagrantino:

The Sagrantino grape is indigenous to the Umbrian region of Central Italy. Until recently the grape was primarily used for the production of a sweet wine only found in this area. It is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, which means pair with fat and protein. The wines produced from the Sagrantino grape are inky purple and complex.

For the ViniCode™ of this wine, see below.
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Cantina Peppucci's Alter Ego 2007

ViniCode™ : 3 3 6 8 7 8

Alter Ego is one of the biggest, darkest, yet smoothest wines we have ever reviewed.

3 - There is a bit of the residual sugar left in this wine. You can taste it on the very tip of your tongue. Even so, we would call this wine dry.

3 - There is no denying that this wine is smooth and round, but there is just of touch of acidity that gives it structure and definition. This wine would be great by itself or on the table.

6 - The oakiness of Alter Ego is beautifully balanced. We are always concerned if the oak number is higher than the fruit or earth. But that is clearly not the case. The oak adds a wonderful toasty complexity, especially on the long finish.

8 - This wine is a flavor bomb. The fruit is dark and ripe. Deep plums and blackberries coat the palate.

7 - To balance the wine's fruitiness is an intriguiging earthy quality. You will find cinnamon and cloves as well as chocolate and leather.

8 - Alter Ego is a mouthful. The alcohol is 14.5%, so when pairing keep this in mind. Think of meat and game. This wine could even hold its own with heavily spiced or blackened dishes.