This week on Beth and Bill’s Grapevine, we will be featuring three crisp and delicious Ruffino Wines. Not only will these wines be available at Corks & Cactus at Desert Botanical Gardens on Sept. 26th from 6:30-9:30pm, be sure to stop by the Camelback Inn’s BLT Steakhouse to try the following Ruffino Wines.

MODUS 2005

GRAPE VARIETIES:
50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

TASTING NOTES:
Ruby red in color with garnet hues. Well-structured, this wine’s characteristics exemplify the perfect union of the three varieties that make up the Modus blend. Hints of tobacco and spice lead to inviting aromas of cherries, blackberries and plums. This full-bodied wine is rich with refined, silky tannins and a long finish of vanilla and red berry essence.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Modus is delicious with versatile meat dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, sausage with escarole and fagioli beans, marinated flank steak, and pairs equally well with grilled stuffed Portobello mushrooms and aged hard cheeses.

Alcohol:
13.5%


BORGO CONVENTI PINOT GRIGIO 2006

GRAPE VARIETY:
100% Pinot Grigio

TASTING NOTES:
Straw-yellow in color with light coppery glints. On the nose, the wine is characteristically fragrant with delicate scents of white flowers and honeysuckle, accompanied by fruity notes of ripe pear and subtle hints of fresh crusty bread. On the palate, the wine is elegant, refreshing and well balanced. Bright acidity, concentrated flavors and moderate alcohol make for a delicious and well-structured wine with a lengthy, fragrant finish.


PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Serve at 50°–54°F. Fresh and lively, Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio makes a great apéritif. It is also great with shellfish; salads; pasta primavera; grilled branzino with braised fennel; chicken quesadillas; and most white meat dishes.

Alcohol:
13.5%

RISERVA DUCALE Tan Label Chianti Classico Riserva 2005

GRAPE VARIETIES:
Predominantly Sangiovese, plus other permitted Chianti Classico red varieties.

TASTING NOTE:
Ruby red in color, with garnet hues. Riserva Ducale is characterized by particularly fragrant, sweet cherry and red berry fruit notes, typical of the 2005 vintage. Notes of tobacco and white pepper lead into aromas of roses and a touch of flint. Wellbalanced on the palate, the taste reveals velvety tannins and good acidity, with a fruity core and a finish of rosemary and figs.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Serve at 65°F. Riserva Ducale is a timeless Tuscan Chianti Classico. Enjoy it with Italian favorites such as prosciutto and other antipasti, mushroom risotto, pasta Bolognese, and chicken cacciatore. Pair with simple grilled meats and roasted vegetables for a classic Italian meal.

ALCOHOL:
13%

Ruffino Wines are also available at your local Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace and Basha’s grocery stores throughout the Valley.