For Valentine’s Day, sip on an Italian blend from Banfi.
I’ve chosen a great red wine from Banfi for February. Banfi has long been known for producing great Italian wines. Aska is Banfi’s rosso from Bolgheri, Tuscany. Bolgheri is a small Tuscan region famous for its red wines. They are famously produced with grape varietals not native to Italy, barring them from the DOC ribbon we are so familiar with on Chianti bottles. The Aska is their take on a Bordeaux-style blend made from Cabernet and Cabernet Franc. I recommend that you decant for 30 minutes and let it unfold. It has notes of spice, olive and fine tannins. 93 points from Wine Spectator; $34.99.
Kevin Castellano is the general manager of Wayzata Wine and Spirits and a lake-area wine and liquor expert.