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A dinner at a very unassuming ristorante called Abruzzi, near the Vittorio Emanuele monument in Rome, came the discovery of another fantastic Chianti Classico: the 2001 Marchese Antinori. Was I biased because of the Antinori name again? Absolutely, but Isabell nor I had ever had this particular chianti - the reserve for Antinori.

This lovely wine was deep ruby red with light garnet hues. It had pronounced cherry and violet fruit with tobacco nuances on the nose. It was a full-bodied and rounded red wine of remarkable depth, structure and length... all for 22 euros ($28). The next day I found the wine at an enoteca near our hotel and saw it retailed for 19 euros.

So what justifies so many American restaurants marking up mediocre wine by 50%??