Aa Kron Lazio IGT Fontana Fontana Candida Lazio IGT Rood 2005

I recently ordered this wine in a neighborhood restaurant in Rome on a waiter's recommendation. I'd never heard of it before. It has a very clear but deep color and medium body. The aroma was unremarkable but generally pleasant and not indicating a "fresh" wine. Nothing special to this point, which made the first taste such a surprise. The flavor is very spicy (black pepper and eastern seasonings like tumeric or ginger overpower any fruitiness that the texture and smell would have suggested); the taste lingers. It paired well with antipasto of roasted peppers, eggplant, and deep fried read more...squash flowers with anchovy, and equally well with a meal of ravioli in a light marinara sauce, and linguini carbonara (liked it better with the carbonara, but it complimented both well). I'd try something else with mild cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables--or lighter main dish than we tried--as this wine would mask subtle flavors without the muscle to fight through or which lacked the staying power to outlast it on the tongue. We passed on dessert for a gelato nearby but I wish we'd had the opportunity to finish off the bottle with something made out of dark chocolate.    (hide)

August 2009