I found myself bored on a Tuesday evening back in January, so I thought I’d be venturous on a school night (oooh, you’re gonna be in trou-ble!) and head down to Hollywood and attend a free wine tasting at Hollywood Vine, a fine purveyor of wine and beer with extremely reasonable prices both for the wines by the bottle and by the glass.    Add in a good selection of sake, micro-brews and scotch and there is something for almost everyone that enjoys a fine beverage.

            The evenings tasting (which was free, for you budget-conscious types) involved several Italian wines from various regions. While all were intriguing, a few didn’t quite satisfy this Wanderlush’s palate.

            The first Italian vivo I tried was an amazing Tenuta Di Salviano Orvieto Classico Superiore (D.O.C. 2008). This Blanco blend of four varietals struck me as an old world Sauvignon Blanc, which is one of its principal grapes. The citrus and floral notes were most noticeable, but the Chardonnay (20%) softened the edges. The other white varietals also played their part, with Trebbiano Toscano and Grechetto grapes adding to its complexity. This was the only bottle I purchased that night, and at $15.99 a bottle it’s an incredible value.

            Of the reds I tried,  the most memorable was the Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Di Salvano (2003). This Tuscan red is vibrant in color and taste, with hints of dark fruit, smoke, leather and menthol. It was a complex wine that would pair well with any Italian dishes, cheese, or enjoyed just on its own. My fascination with this wine was quickly doused when I saw its $179 on-line sale-only price tag.

            A more reasonable red was the Chacra Barda Pinot Noir, Argentina, Rio Negro, the lone Argentine wine on the evening’s menu. It has been described as juicy, spicy and aromatic, which I agree. Though light-bodied like its New World counterparts, this Pinot Noir exuded the complexity and velvety notes you’d expect in a Pinot two or even three times its $34.99 price tag.

            Hollywood Vine tastings are relaxed affairs and always well attended. The storeowner was gracious and suggested several wines I’d be interested in that were off the tasting menu. I looked up and down the shelves like a five-year-old at Toys R Us, peering at the labels, checking vintages and such, and ended up buying a bottle of Glory Days Zinfandel (2008, Lodi, CA) that the owner was quite excited about. I can see why: Glory Days is a fruit-forward Zin that attacks the taste buds and leaves you wanting more. And hey, at $12.99 this is another great value to look out for on your next wine outing.