Trader Joe’s Bolgheri Red: Canto Del Principe Tre Cipressi

Tuscany’s coastal swagger meets the Trader Joe’s wine aisle, and I’m here for it. Reverse Wine Snob just reviewed the 2022 Canto Del Principe Tre Cipressi Bolgheri Rosso Toscana—an under-$15 red blend that leans Sangiovese (60%), backed by Malvasia (30%) and Ciliegiolo (10%). It clocks in at 13.5% ABV, a modest 2 g/L residual sugar, and it’s exclusive to Trader Joe’s via D’Aquino Italian Importing Co. The verdict? Solid Tuscan personality at an everyday price.

“Opens with attractive aromas of brambly berries, bright black cherry, plum.”

Reverse Wine Snob

That tracks stylistically: fruit-forward energy, lifted acidity, and those classic Tuscan sweet-spice touches. Reverse Wine Snob also calls it “a tasty red blend for the price,” and stamps it a recommended buy—music to weekday dinner ears.

Style Snapshot

If you’re gauging fit and flavor, here’s the quick read:

• Grape variety: Sangiovese-led (with Malvasia and Ciliegiolo in the mix)
• Region/Appellation: Bolgheri, Tuscany (Rosso Toscana bottling)
• Dryness: Dry (2 g/L RS—think friendly but not sweet)
• Vibe: Fruit-first—brambly berries, black cherry, plum—plus baking spice, mint, and a hint of vanilla
• Structure: Juicy acidity, velvety tannins, good length; balanced and approachable

In other words: a versatile, modern Tuscan red with enough freshness to keep things lively and enough polish to play nicely at the table.

Bolgheri Context (and Why Sangiovese Here Is Interesting)

Bolgheri sits on Tuscany’s coast, famous for laying down the Bordeaux playbook—Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc—into what became the Super Tuscan movement. Sangiovese is usually the star inland (think Chianti, Montalcino), so a Sangiovese-led blend sporting a Bolgheri identity is a fun twist. It reads more “Tuscan heartland meets coastal chill”: cherry-driven fruit, herbal lift, and savory edges, but with the smoothness and glossy fruit you often see from warmer, breezier sites.

Malvasia and Ciliegiolo add color here. Malvasia (in red form, commonly Malvasia Nera in Tuscan blends) can contribute florals and soft fruit. Ciliegiolo—lighter and cherry-noted—tends to brighten the mid-palate. Together, they keep the wine friendly, fragrant, and easy to like without sacrificing that classic Italian tug of acidity.

Reverse Wine Snob’s notes hit the essentials: “brambly berries,” “bright black cherry,” “plum,” and secondary spice tones. The wine stays dry and juicy with “good length” and showed well on day two—always a great sign for weeknight reliability.

Buy Intent: Who Will Love This

If you gravitate toward Chianti for the acidity and cherry, but want softer tannins and a bit more polished fruit, this Trader Joe’s bottle slots in nicely. At $14.99, it’s priced like a Tuesday but drinks like a Friday—you won’t feel underdressed opening it with neighbors or pizza night. The oak influence (vanilla, baking spice) reads subtle rather than heavy, so the wine keeps its Tuscan snap.

Best Occasion + Pairing Direction

Best occasion: Casual dinner with friends; pizza and pasta night; an easy second bottle when the conversation stretches.

Best pairing direction: Tomato-based pastas, margherita or sausage pizza, grilled chicken with herbs, or a simple cheeseboard (Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Pecorino, and olives). The wine’s bright acidity and clean finish love salt, umami, and anything with a little tomato tang.

Closing Takeaway

Tuscan character, accessible price, and a blend that throws a nod to both Sangiovese tradition and coastal ease—this is a smart grab if your local Trader Joe’s stocks it. Reverse Wine Snob calls it “a tasty red blend for the price,” and I agree with the lane it’s driving in: fruit-forward, balanced, and versatile. Keep one on hand for the week; pull two when company shows up hungry.

Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/canto-del-principe-tre-cipressi-bolgheri-trader-joes/