Coppola Rosso Classico 2004

Price: $8
Maker: Francis Coppola Presents, Rutherford, California
Varietal: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah blend
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.0 out of 10

Coppola Rosso Classico 2004 has great shelf presence. Its label is composed largely of a photograph of some “old country” type guys sitting around a cafe table enjoying some wine. It proudly calls itself simply “Rosso”, and in smaller print identifies the wine with the company name, Francis Coppola Presents. It’s impossible not to be intrigued by a wine claiming to be a classic red with a respected name like Coppola on the label. The wine itself holds up reasonably well to expectations. The nose is modest, with hints of berry and vanilla. The flavor was dominated by berry and fruit flavors after it had been allowed to breathe a bit; early on, spice and oak notes seemed stronger. This isn’t our favorite red, but it’s quite drinkable and, with its interesting labeling and heritage, will be a conversation-starting addition to your dinner table or a nice, albeit inexpensive, wine gift.

The Francis Ford Coppola Presents website is interesting, too. In addition to wines, it promotes FFC food items, publications, and even resorts. There’s a wine club as well. It seems to be a small-scale marketing empire build around stuff that Mr. Coppola likes and has an interest in.