The University of Dallas, a private Catholic school, has just released the latest vintage from its Italian estate vineyards. Due Santi is grown on the UD's Eugene Constantin campus outside of Rome, where their semester-abroad program is anchored. And, as the saying goes, "When in Rome, make wine."
Named for the two saints (Due Santi), Peter and Paul, this area has been the summer home of popes and Romans for millennia. Wine from vineyards in the Alban Hills was renowned from the time before the birth of Christ, and the University of Dallas carries on that time-honored tradition in the modern era.
The first result is Due Santi Rosso, a red blend of cabernet and merlot. Winemaker Claudia Agrifani shepherds grapes grown organically on ancient volcanic ash beds, lending to the wine layers of flavor, including rich fruit and an intense vivaciousness. This wine reminds me of some of its more expensive Super Tuscan cousins, but at a fraction of the price. It's really a find for wine lovers.
And for the feel-good news, every bottle sold returns a portion of the proceeds to the University of Dallas Rome Program. There is an ongoing project to expand the selection of wines, with the rosé, Due Santi Rosati, just making its debut.
Find the Due Santi Rosso at Jimmy's Food Store, Pogo's Wine & Spirits, Biagio Wine & Spirits and online at duesantiwines.com for under $30. Or sip it at Lamberti's Ristorante & Wine Bar, Destinations Wine Bar and Adelmo's Ristorante, which is featuring the wine at its Aug. 13 wine dinner.