vanilla, mocha-scented oak, spice box, plum liqueur, licorice and milk chocolate. Full-bodied and rich with plenty of dense fruit and fresh acidity that carries this to a long finish. Almost verges on too much but pulls back. Drink now or hold. Easily pairs with various Italian dishes, above all risottos, especially those flavored with saffron, porcini mushrooms and pork; classic dishes such as pasta with amatriciana and carbonara sauces, baked lasagna, gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts; grilled meats and roasts. This wine also excels when matched with Parma ham and fine-cured zibello pork loin, as well as medium-matured cheeses, especially parmigiano reggiano, pecorino and Monte Veronese.