Italo Cescon Mezzopiano

Italo Cescon Mezzopiano is listed as an Italian-style red wine with Massachusetts as its stated appellation. The details on file don't name a grape, vintage or alcohol level, so the notes below describe what Italian-style reds usually deliver, not a measured profile of this bottle. Italian-style reds tend to be dry and medium-bodied, with red-cherry and dried-herb fruit, moderate tannin and fairly bright acidity. That acidity is what makes them work at the table. If this one follows the style, expect a savory finish and little obvious new-oak sweetness. Wines built this way suit tomato-based dishes best. Expect it to work with baked ziti, eggplant parmigiana, margherita or sausage pizza, and meatballs in red sauce. It should also handle roast chicken with rosemary, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino. The acidity and tannin cut through olive oil and cured meats like soppressata or prosciutto. It would be a weaker match for very spicy dishes or delicate white fish. Serve it slightly cool, around 60 to 65°F. That is about 20 minutes in the refrigerator if the bottle has been at room temperature. Warmer than that, the alcohol tends to show and the fruit goes flat. A standard red-wine glass with a moderately wide bowl is enough to open up the aromas. Decanting isn't necessary for a wine of this style. If the first pour tastes tight or closed, 20 to 30 minutes in the glass or a quick splash into a decanter should loosen it. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Nothing in the listing suggests it was made for long cellaring, and everyday Italian-style reds are generally at their best within a few years of release. Store it on its side, away from heat and light, and open it within the next year or two.