Bolla, Veronese IGT (Veneto, Italy) 2012

In the category of red wines selling for less than $20 the Bolla Torr’Alta stands tall. Although it utilizes a couple of international grape varieties (merlot and cabernet sauvignon) it relies most heavily on the indigenous corvina and rondinella grapes that are the money grapes planted all around Verona, a small city in northern Italy. Notes of black cherry and spice dominate, but it’s the fresh acidity that makes the fruit pop. Try this wine with grilled meats or savory tomato-based dishes.  Platinum award-winner at the 2016 Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition.