Trader Joe’s Bolgheri Rosso Review: Canto Del Principe 2022

I love a Tuscan red that remembers where it’s from—sunny fruit, savory edges, and enough brightness to keep your third glass honest. Reverse Wine Snob took a spin with the 2022 Canto Del Principe Tre Cipressi Bolgheri Rosso (Trader Joe’s exclusive) and came away impressed. As they put it, “Tasting reveals some nice Tuscan character in this wine.” — Reverse Wine Snob.

Here’s why this bottle might deserve a spot in your weeknight rotation, especially if your vibe is pizza, pastas, and no-fuss, drink-now reds that still feel legit.

Style Snapshot

• Grape variety: 60% Sangiovese, 30% Malvasia, 10% Ciliegiolo
• Region/appellation: Bolgheri, Tuscany (Italy)
• Style: Dry, fruit-forward with juicy acidity and velvety tannins
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 2 g/L
• Price: $14.99 (Trader Joe’s exclusive)

The review notes aromas of brambly berries, black cherry, and plum, plus “nice touches of baking spice, mint and vanilla”—classic signals of oak meeting ripe fruit without getting heavy-handed. The bottle copy promises “velvety tannins, vibrant freshness, and a savory, lingering finish,” and based on the take from Reverse Wine Snob, this reads as medium-bodied, dry, and refreshingly juicy.

“Tasting reveals some nice Tuscan character in this wine.

Context: Bolgheri and Sangiovese, a Tuscan twist

Bolgheri is famous for its Bordeaux-style reds—think Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah under Tuscan sun. So seeing a Sangiovese-led blend here is a fun stylistic detour that still checks the “Tuscan character” box. Sangiovese is the backbone of Chianti and many central Tuscan wines; it brings cherry, tangy acidity, and a savory edge. Ciliegiolo is a traditional Tuscan grape that often adds soft red fruit and lift, while Malvasia (used in various styles across Italy) can bring perfume or roundness depending on the type and treatment.

Reverse Wine Snob’s read aligns with what you’d expect from this trio: lots of fruit up front, balancing acidity to keep it brisk, and oak framing the flavors rather than bulldozing them. Most importantly, they emphasize value and drinkability: the wine is “tasty” and a “RECOMMENDED BUY.” — Reverse Wine Snob.

How it drinks and where it fits

According to the review, this is a dry red with “plenty of juicy acidity” and fruit-first vibes. That’s a sweet spot for casual Italian fare, grilled veggies, and anything tomato-based. It also sounds like a bottle that stays consistent over a couple days—always a plus for real-life drinking where Tuesday doesn’t finish what Monday started.

For Trader Joe’s shoppers, the $14.99 price tag hits that value lane where you want honesty and freshness, not oak syrup or candied fruit. You’re getting Tuscan character, a legit DOC pedigree, and enough complexity to keep your glass interesting without requiring a dissertation.

Buy intent and best uses

Best occasion: Pizza night, pasta with red sauce, casual backyard hangs. If you’re grilling sausages or throwing together a Tuscan bean stew, even better.

Best pairing direction: Tomato and herb-driven dishes, cured meats, hard Italian cheeses (Parmigiano, Pecorino). Go savory; let the wine’s brightness cut through fat and salt.

My take: If you like the core Sangiovese profile—cherry fruit, mouthwatering acidity, a little spice—and want something approachable and affordable with a touch of oak polish, this bottle checks out. It’s also a neat counterpoint to the usual Bolgheri Bordeaux blends, leaning into Tuscan heritage grapes without losing everyday appeal.

Bottom line: A dry, medium-bodied, fruit-forward Tuscan red with enough lift to keep it refreshing and enough polish to feel complete. For $14.99, that’s a solid play—especially when Reverse Wine Snob stamps it a “RECOMMENDED BUY.”

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