Wine Tasting Note: Tusk ‘n Red, 2004, Mendocino County, California
Available from Waitrose for £9.99
What this wine has with Italy is anyones guess. This blend is far removed from anything from Italy - 45% Syrah 25% Zinfandel 13% Sangiovese 11% Petite Sirah 6% Grenache. Oh hold on, there’s a little Sangiovese…

It’s a nice little wine with great, humorous packaging (similar irreverence to the Goats do Roam range from South Africa). Lightly spicy, not at all sweet (as many a Californian wine can be) and surprisingly drinkable and food friendly. Not a superlative match with the Pork with Apples and Chestnuts (a white would have been my ideal) but interesting. Style-wise the Italian edge materialises with tannins and acidity more than welcoming with an Italian-food-friendly stance.

Medium bodied. Alcohol 13.5%.

Scribblings Rating - 88/100 [3.5 out of 5]