When most folks hear Bolgheri, they think polished Super Tuscan blends leaning Cabernet and Merlot—the surfboard-gloss version of Tuscany. This Trader Joe’s exclusive flips that script. Canto Del Principe Tre Cipressi Bolgheri Rosso (2022) is a Sangiovese-led blend (60% Sangiovese, 30% Malvasia, 10% Ciliegiolo), clocking 13.5% ABV with a modest 2 g/L residual sugar. In other words: dry, juicy, and decidedly Tuscan at a very weekday-friendly price point ($14.99).
“Tasty, with lots of Tuscan character.”
Reverse Wine Snob
Style Snapshot: Sangiovese Front and Center
Sangiovese is the backbone of Chianti and much of central Tuscany, typically showing cherry, red plum, lively acidity, and a savory streak. Reverse Wine Snob describes this bottle with “attractive aromas of brambly berries, bright black cherry, plum” plus touches of baking spice, mint, and vanilla. The palate stays fruit-forward with “plenty of juicy acidity,” and it “ends dry and juicy with good length”—all hallmarks of a Sangiovese-driven experience, even outside Chianti’s borders.
Malvasia adds perfume and lift—note that Tuscany grows both Malvasia (white) and Malvasia Nera (red), and producers use it for aromatic complexity. Ciliegiolo (literally “little cherry”) is a classic supporting act in Tuscan blends, contributing glossy cherry tones and softer tannins. Together, the trio paints a generous, friendly style that still reads Tuscany.
Bolgheri Context: Not Your Typical ‘Super’ Script
Bolgheri’s modern fame comes from Bordeaux varieties—think structured reds with dark fruit, cedar, and polish. This blend zigzags back toward traditional Tuscan DNA, prioritizing Sangiovese’s brightness and acidity. Reverse Wine Snob notes the wine is “mostly about the fruit,” with those secondary spice and minty touches riding shotgun. That’s a cool departure: oak plays support for texture and a little vanilla, but the vibe stays lively and savory rather than plush and brooding.
And yes, this is a dry wine—the 2 g/L RS is well within bone-dry territory—yet it “tastes sweet” in the sense of ripe fruit rippling across the palate. For value seekers, the $14.99 tag and the “RECOMMENDED BUY” verdict make this an easy toss-in-the-cart at TJ’s.
Occasion & Pairing Direction
Best occasion: Weeknight pasta night, casual pizza parties, or the first chilly evening when you want something comforting but not heavy.
Best pairing direction: Tomato-sauced pastas, Margherita or sausage pizza, grilled chicken with herbs, and hard Italian cheeses (Parmigiano, pecorino). The acidity and cherry-driven fruit love tomatoes and salt—keep it classic and you’ll be happy.
How It Stacks Up
Compared to the more structured Bolgheri reds, this one leans approachable and juicy. Reverse Wine Snob’s score puts taste at 8 (89–90 points) with an overall rating of 7.5—solid marks for a sub-$15 bottle. If you’re building a mini Tuscan tour via Trader Joe’s, they note this label ties to the same winery behind the 2016 Canto Del Principe Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva they reviewed. Translation: there’s a consistent house style—ripe fruit, Tuscan lift, and easy charm.
Bottom line: If you like Sangiovese’s brightness but want a bit of oak polish and friendly tannins, this is a smart buy. It’s not trying to be a monumental cellar piece; it’s trying to be delicious tonight (and tomorrow, per the source: “similar on day 2”). That’s a mission accomplished.
Quoted notes taken from Reverse Wine Snob.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/canto-del-principe-tre-cipressi-bolgheri-trader-joes/
