Vecchia Cantina - Chianti @@ (2 corks)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

Have you ever been subject to elitism when buying cheap wine? I know I have. When I moved here from Maine three years ago, I remember shopping at the local grocery store, perusing the selection of cheap wines. A red headed fellow kept eyeing me until he finally came over and said in a thick Italian accent: "Cheap wine! Ugh! eeets like drinkeeng kemikals! eet eez a deesgrace to wine!" I was being harassed by a random Italian man, in Bradenton, Florida! In a Publix! First off, if you're going to be a wine snob, why are you buying wine at the local grocery store?? Secondly, why are you living in Bradenton? (Bradenton, although lovely, is by no means as fancy as its sister city, Sarasota.)

Mind you, in Maine thrifty-ness was not only applauded but expected in a state that is primarily rural with no major cities to speak of--I lived in a suburb of its "major city" (Portland) which has a population of approximately 250,000. There are more cows in Maine than people, no joke. The thought of paying more than $20 for a bottle of wine is virtually unheard of for locals---tourists, however, well...that's another story. I grew up in a semi-European household, so it's not like I haven't experienced expensive wine but I was taught early on not to confuse expensive with "good," hence, my passion for cheap wine. Thankfully, places like Total Wine make it exquisitely easy to be thrifty on your wine purchases.

So, on to the review! Chianti will always hold a sacred place in my heart. One of my dearest friends and I used to split a bottle of Chianti and watch chick flicks when we were fresh out of college. I distincitly remember us being unable to uncork a bottle of Rufino Chianti which ended up with us on the floor, me holding the bottle with both hands and her attempting to pull with all her mite. A cork-ridden bottle ensued. Hilarious. Vecchia Cantina Chianti lacks the characteristic immediate sweetness I associate with a Chianti. Although easily drinkable, like most Chiantis, this one has a pucker to its flavor. The after effect is dry, to the point of turning your tongue like sand paper. Normally, a little dryness doesn't bother my taste buds but when you're in the mood for Chianti, this just won't do.

Final Word: It's drinkable, but not memorable. If you seek a Chianti, try a bottle of Rufino instead.