Wines of the Week: Terra d'Oro, a Reasonable Cab Substitute

Wine: 2009 Terra d'Oro Aglianico

Notes: Dark canned cherry juice color with a nice soft nose of cherry-mocha-cola and spice. Hits you with juicy first and a bit of bitter thereafter, as a modest reminder of the tannin. The dark cherry flavor resurfaces toward the end in a light mocha-vanilla bath in the mouth. Touches of dusty spice flit throughout the experience. Slightly drying. Would likely benefit from decanting, aeration, or bottle age (3 years+).

Varietal Insight: An ancient grape, originally planted by the ancient Greeks over 2000 years ago and a relative rarity in California.

Sells For: $18 Drinks Like: $23

Wine: 2008 Terra d'Oro Sangiovese

Notes: Color of pale blood, but with a glimmer. Definite notes of vanilla on the nose attest to oak, perhaps too much so. Juicy mouth, touch of black pepper, and nice balance of acidity. This wine also craves food. Slightly souring finish throws off the experience a bit, but a reasonable wine at a more than reasonable price.

Varietal Insight: This may be Italy's best known grape, used in Chianti Classico and the coveted "Super Tuscan" wines.

Sells For: $18  Drinks Like: $25

Where to score them: BevMo, Searchlight Market and Zain's Liquor