Senior editor and tasting director Bruce Sanderson joined Wine Spectator in 1993. His tasting beats are Burgundy, Italy and Germany.

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A Rich Italian Red

Allegrini Verona Palazzo della Torre 2005

Bruce Sanderson
Posted: January 6, 2009

During the holidays, I purchased some wine to enjoy with my family while on vacation in Florida. Upon my arrival in Tampa, I went straight from the airport to Wine Warehouse, a retailer I have bought wine from in past visits to the Sunshine State.

I was looking for some good value bottles to drink with my mother's home cooking. On the shelves, there was a wine that has been a "go-to red" for me over the years: Allegrini Verona Palazzo della Torre. The current vintage is 2005 and reasonably priced at $20.

Palazzo della Torre is partially fermented with dried grapes, a tradition in the Veneto region where Allegrini is located. As a result, the aroma suggested a hint of raisin, along with flavors of plum, dried fig and tobacco. It was rich, with well-integrated tannins and a hint of roasted character on the finish.

I rated it 88 points, non-blind. It paired nicely with Mom's delicious lasagna.

ALLEGRINI Verona Palazzo della Torre 2005 (88 points, $25)