We started out our dinner plans with a couple of friends last night and decided to go with an Italian theme.  After the menu was planned, I went downstairs to find out what we had that might be appropriate for our three savory courses.

2007 San Leonino Chianti Classico

First up was a Caprese salad—very appropriate for a late summer starter when the tomatoes are at the peak of freshness but before the basil starts to bud. With this course we paired it with a 2007 San Leonino Chianti Classico.  It was a great match. The Sangiovese screams for a dish with a bit of acidity to tame and the heirloom tomatoes with balsamic vinaigrette were amazing with this wine. Each taste of the salad was raised to another level when tasted with the fresh red fruit and hints of cedar and spice in the flavor profile of the wine. The fresh mozzarella and basil leaves worked seamlessly with the Chianti Classico.

Very Good (88) | $18 | 13.0% ABV

2009 Caldora Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo

For out next course, we had a Bucatini all’Amatriciana, a pancetta and tomato based sauce with a bit of heat and a generous helping of garlic and caramelized onions—not so traditional but called for in the roman version. It was served with a wonderful 2009 Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo Caldora.  This rustic wine was textbook Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo.  Fruit driven and peppery on the palate, this wine has the acidity to conquer the components of this seemingly simple dish. Once you master all the techniques you will realize how complex it actually is to perfect. Do not forget the Pecorino Romano during the cooking of the sauce and as garnish before serving. Taste the cheese; sip the wine, life is fine.

Excellent (90) | $11 | 13.0% ABV

2010 Feudi di San Marzano Primitivo Puglia

A wonderful wine that was full bodied and fun; I could use that same description to describe a lot of things in my life that I enjoy when they come in a package described in that fashion. That would cover some ground that might not be appropriate in this forum so we will stick to describing food and wine. We are still describing wines and this one fits that description to a tee. Including the fabulous porterhouse steak for two (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) grilled to perfection (medium rare) served with a small arugula salad just to accentuate the black peppercorn theme, which paired so well with the flavors of the wine. This wine was a little light for my style of Primitivo and it is doubtful with age that it will get any bigger maybe smoother. It still earned a B+ score and we enjoyed the wine very much.  As I looked back in my tasting notes of Primitivo it seems I had purchased this wine prior to receiving this sample and tasting notes were consistent.

Very Good (87) | $11 | 13.5% ABV

This was a powerful meal filled to the brim with big, rustic, traditional Italian flavors despite skipping around the regional areas of the food and the wines. Insalata Caprese is simply Caprese Salad (literally translated, salad in the style of Capri). It comes from the region of Campania in Italy. The pasta sauce comes from Amatrice in Lazio and the steak from Florence. Wines from northern, central and southern Italy were brought to the table and it all worked and the recipes and wines unanimously declared MacDaddy Marc approved.