I feel like I am “pazzo,” because for the life of me, I can not remember where we had this wine.  I was just intrigued by the name of the wine, for in Italian, and I am not sure if it is proper language or an idiom, the word means “crazy.”  It is something you say to one of your paisons when you are questioning their sanity or logic.  “Hey pazzo” is a fun greeting, and one that can be used in mixed and nice company.

I know that it was not a wine that was bought for the cellar, though if I had seen it, I may have purchased it out of curiosity.   I am sure that it must have been found in a chain restaurant or a pizzeria.  Since match books are not politically correct any more, there are fewer items to jog the memory.

Pazzo wine is a proprietary red wine from the Bacio Divino Cellars of Napa, California, which by itself is a great name for a winery (if my rudimentary knowledge of Italian is true, there name translates into “divine kiss.”  The wine is a blend of Sangiovese grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of a couple other varietals blended in for a unique taste.  I remember enjoying this wine immensely from the first taste and realized that the wine was made for immediate consumption and not for long term storage, though with those two grapes it could age, in my estimation for a couple of years without damage.  This is a wine to be enjoyed with Italian “comfort” food, nothing pretentious, just well made.  I think it would also be great with cold cuts and cheese for a relaxing afternoon nibble.

I guess you can say that I am pazzo about Pazzo.