Under the Tuscan Sun Wines

Kerry Hammond returns with her report on new wines from Under the Tuscan Sun author, Frances Mayes.

Frances Mayes is probably best known for her book Under the Tuscan Sun, which was made into a movie in 2003 starring Diane Lane. Mayes and her husband recently created The Tuscan Sun Cookbook, published in 2012, to highlight the spirit of the cuisine in the region they love so much. But it gets even better…. she has just released a line of Tuscan wines that were created with the help of some of the region’s best winemakers.

There are few things in life that I enjoy more than a good book.  But if I had to start naming things—gun to my head—a good glass of wine would be right at the top of the list. Therefore, I was extremely pleased to learn that the Tuscan wine’s U.S. launch was taking place in Colorado and that Frances Mayes would be here to celebrate the event and sign bottles of wine.

I attended the tasting event held at Davidson’s Liquors in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.  Four wines were on hand for tasting, at least five of the seven were available for purchase, and all were affordably priced (many under $13). The four wines I tasted were all excellent. The Abbraccio is a mix of Chardonnay, Trebbiano, and Grechetto, and has a crisp, clean flavor that isn’t too sweet or too dry.  The Tondo Tondo is 100% Sangiovese, and has a very fruity flavor. The Permesso is 100% Cabernet Savignon, and has a spicey flavor with hints of licorice. Finally, the Auguri is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Savignon, and Merlot, and has a very flavorful mix of tannins.

All of the bottles have wonderful labels that capture the beauty of the region where the grapes are grown. Frances Mayes was very sweet and extremely gracious.  She even signed my copy of Under the Tuscan Sun and posed for a photo. Cheers to good books and good wine.