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What We Say 2004 Due Amici
[pssst… this wine is 30% off Retail!]
“Are the results back from the lab, Agent Red?”
Agent White was pacing the situation room, eager for the Wine Spies scientists to issue their report on a very unusual red wine.
“Not yet, White,” I replied. “Be patient.”
Unable to wait, he poured us each another glass. Now that the wine had been decanted for a few minutes, we sniffed. We sipped.
“There it is,” Agent White said excitedly. “Tell the lab its Smoked-Vanilla Chile Rellenos!”
I had to agree. This ruby-red wine, a 50/50 blend of Cabernet and Sangiovese, certainly had its smells and flavors of cherry, oak, and blackberry, but it also had qualities we had never tasted in other wines.
I said, “This is the sort of wine that people talk about as they drink it – and drink it to talk about it. I’d call it a true Wine Geek wine, and one well worthy of offering to our recruits. What do you think?”
Agent White wasn’t listening. He was lost in his glass. Sniffing, sipping, sniffing, sipping…
Made from a 50/50 blend of Ventana Vineyards Monterey County (Arroyo Seco AVA) Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes, this is a medium to full-bodied wine with medium tannins.
One of Ventana’s most popular wines, the Due Amici (Two Friends) sells out quickly at the winery. We managed to grab up a few cases for you. If you like unusual wines, this is a great choice. Let us know what you pair it with!
Wine Spies Technical Information
Appelation: Arroyo Seco AVA. Monterey, California
Vareital: 50%Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Sangiovese
Vineyard: 100% Estate Ventana Vinyard
Barrel Selection: French and American Oak
Total Acidity: .58 g/ 100ml
pH: 3.68
Alcohol: 13.5%
What the Winery Says
Ventana Vineyards
Winemaking Notes
The Italian words “Due Amici” translated to English mean, “Two Friends”. This is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese (Brunello clone). Doug Meador was first shown the marvelous relationship between these two long ago in Italy – even though Cabernet was not “authorized” in Tuscany then. We have deliberately avoided the “international” style which veers heavily on Cabernet, preferring the cherry charm of the Sangiovese blossoming above the Cabernet foundation. The 2001 version was the number one blended red wine of America in 2004, so it appears others like it as well. We have planted a little more “Sangio” but this will always be a very limited wine.
Tasting Notes Due Amici showcases a bright ruby color with red fruit flavors of cherry, blackberry and black raspberry alongside vanilla and light smoky tones of oak. The wine is medium bodied with light tannins. It is one of our most popular wines and one that sells out quickly each vintage. Perhaps it is the wine’s great ability to pair with many styles of food. Italian cuisine - certainly, but it is also fun to open for hamburgers on the grill!
