INSIDER'S PICK: 2022 Az. Vi. CALABRETTA VINO ROSSO 'GAIO-GAIO' $23.99

For the last Insider's Pick before Thanksgiving, we had to of course pick a wine from out Thanksgiving selections email we sent out last week. There are plenty of safer and 'traditional' routes you can go with your red wines, like Beaujolais/Gamay and your favorite Pinot Noir regions, but there are lots of great possibilities out there that can work equally well. Our general 'rules' for choices is looking for reds with less aggressive tannins and/or oak presence, a more polished and silkier palate, something that can work its way around all the various flavors of the traditional holiday table. The Nerello Mascalese grape may not be the first thought for many this time of year, as it usually has a more firm, minerally intensity from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. But Calabretta is not your normal winery, and Gaio-Gaio is not a normal Nerello. Built for approachability, the grapes get a lot softer and shorter soak to get color and fragrance but not as much tannin. A dark but transparent black cherry color, the aromas are all dusty red fruits that get richer as it opens up, with an almost citrusy mineral energy to them, very soil driven. The first sip is unexpectedly juicy at first, round and full of tangy fruits, but the super-fine tannins sneak in and are very persistent and dusty through the finish. The juicy citrus tones give this the ability to take a light chilling if you wanted, and will do exceptionally well at the more savory Thanksgiving tables. ​

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