- Silverstone's previous recommendations

Tenuta Villanova Menj Rosso 1995

March 2000

Farra d'Isonzo is a small village in the Friuli-Venezia region of Italy. One of my favorite parts of the world, because I can nip into a couple of wineries at lunch time and still be in Venice for dinner.

I was very impressed with this particular wine, especially when I discovered that it is made from all the wonderful ingredients that go into those wickedly expensive French chateau bottles. The Menj Rosso is filled with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It's like casting a flick with DiCaprio, DiNero and Willis. I mean this wine has sex appeal, there's some action packed moments when you first sip it and it should appeal to most tastes - although I wouldn't wait for it to come out on video.

I tried it with a cheese course and chilled it for about 10 minutes and the partnership was brilliant. At first glance, the combination of these four grape varieties would lead you to believe this is going to be one powerful hefty bag type wine. But, I was pleasantly surprised by it's softness, roundness and downright smooth as silk personality.

And the price ain't so bad either. All in all, a very satisfying wine.

Region Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Italy

Grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

Technical Fermentation in stainless steel vats. Aged 18-24 months in small oak casks.

Food match Chicken; pasta; cheese

Serve Chill for 10 minutes in fridge.

Price in USA $11.99 (approx)

Best of the Red Bunch

- Silverstone's previous recommendations