Fast facts:
- 2016 Cecilia Beretta COMEME Rosso, Veneto, Italy ($19.99 for 1.5ml bottle @Trader Joe’s, California)
This bottle is a real head-turner. For starters, it is what we in the wine trade refer to as a “large format” bottle. In this case, it’s a magnum. Which is just a fancy way of saying it is a double bottle. The other thing that makes it so striking is the screen-printed bottle. No paper labels on this puppy.
I really like having bottles like this in my cellar this time of year for holiday entertaining. They really stand out. Not to mention you don’t need to pull so many corks. So I was hoping that the wine in the bottle would not disappoint. I am pleased to say it most certainly did not. This wine tastes as good as it looks. Well, maybe just almost as good as it looks, but it is definitely worth your wine bucks.
About the name:
The name derives from the acronym of the grapes from which it is made: Corvina and Merlot. It is a blend of one part Corvina and two lots of Merlot, thus Co-Me-Me. Merlot needs no introduction, but Corvina (aka Corvina Veronese) is not as common, especially to American wine drinkers. However, it is the dominant grape variety used in making Valpolicella and Amarone.
Tasting notes:
This is a wine that would be referred to as “approachable”. In other words, it’s not overly complex. But that is not to say that the wine is simple or that there is not a lot here to be explored. The wine pours a deep rosy magenta color. In the glass, one finds myriad facets and unexpected depth that reveals itself first with aromas of vanilla, plums and currants. It tastes of plums, cinnamon, and apricots. With three years of age, the tannins are soft and velvety on the medium long finish. In short, the wine strikes a nice balance between fruitiness and dry earthiness.
Where it’s from:
Veneto is Italy’s most productive wine region. Located in the north east it stretches towards the Alps and the border with Austria. Much of its recent growth is the result of the popularity of Pinot Grigio and Prosecco.
We recently reviewed a Pinot Grigio here https://wp.me/p9ygim-pP
as well as a Prosecco here https://wp.me/p9ygim-hz
Food pairings:
It pairs well with the savory pasta dishes, red meats and mature cheeses. It would pair famously with your favorite “pie”
Wonderful for the price.
A reminder that if you find a wine you like and want to recommend to fellow readers of this blog, you can post your photos to our Vinopointer.com Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you!
Cheers.