Even though I have not participated in Wine Blogging Wednesday in awhile, one thing I enjoyed doing it was being challenged to get out of my comfort zone and explore wine regions or styles I tend to neglect.

Gleaning through recent purchases, I thought I would give a tip of the hat to WBW with 5 recent purchases, a European Wine Quintet which takes me from Tuscany to Burgenland and Alentejano not to forget Apulia.

Let's start with Tuscany which scored twice.

The Palladio, Rosso di Montalcino (2003) is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, hand harvested and deep purple red in color, good legs, stands up to hearty food such as Tripe with Beans (as suggested by Italian Made). This Rosso is like a youthful cousin to Brunello de Montalcino.

Next is a Morellino di Scansano from Fattoria Mantellassi (2007 Vintage) which combines Sangiovese (85%) with Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero (15%).
Ruby red color, tobaccoey with leathery notes, would you have it with pizza even though some Italians swear that beer goes best with pizza.

The Italian Wine Blog offers a broader view of the Morellino di Scansano wines beyond this one.

A third Italian pick was the Salice Salentino 'Riserva' (2003) from Cantele.

It comes from Apulia (or Puglia if you prefer, map below ) which some describe as the heel of the Italian boot.

The wine is 80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera, the rich candied fruits get you first balanced by a spicy touch and good tannins.

I finally leave Italy for Austria and a Pinot Noir from Burgenland by Wengut PMC (2004 Vintage).

The winery is located in the Neusiedlersee wine growing region (the sunny side of Austria) and the labor of love of brothers Peter and Christopher Munzenreider, only 800 cases were produced.

I close this chapter with Terra Grande (2006), a red wine from Alentejano (Portugal).

Nothing fussy with this one, a great table wine made from Trincadeira (described as having a passion for heat) and Aragonez (Tempranillo in Spain says Wine Geeks) by Antonio Ventura.

Fellow Wine Blogging Wednesday contributors, Gabriella and Greg from Catavino give us an inside look at Goanvi, the producer behind Terra Grande.

Greg calls this wine a Portuguese 'Zin'.

I hope you learned as much on this short European trip than I did in my exploration.

Related: Without Fados, Groval 'Touriga Nacional', Simply Red Wine and
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