Looking for that great pizza wine - Rocca di Montegrossi

I'm always on the lookout for a great bottle to have with pizza. And a high-acid, earthy Sangiovese-based wine is typically

my style.

So I snagged a 2004 Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico from K&L the other night. I'd have to say that I'm probably still hunting

for the pizza wine. It was a good wine but at $20 I'd be hoping for a little more character.

It was interesting to find that it is 90% Sangio and 10% Canaiolo, a grape with which I was not familiar.

(but I can't say I could really sense what it added to the blend)

I'd give this wine about 88 points, if I were to try and rate it.

13.5% alc

Color: bright blood red, clean and clear to the rim

Aroma: Some not very pleasant barnyard on initial pour but that blew off in a hurry. Had Leather, subtle ripe cherry,

cranberry and a little mint and cocoa.

Palate: bright up front and light on the mid-palate and finish. Medium weight tannins which were slightly drying.

Flavors were cranberry and peppery spices. Really nice acidity on finish that was in balance with tannin

and bright red fruit flavors.

Fairly short finish