by Andrew Chalk
For value in Italian wine head east from fashionable Tuscany over to the Adriatic coast. There, the Montepulciano and Sangiovese grape can produce wines of good quality that sell for everyday prices.
This wine is an example. It is distinctive, well made, and a bargain.
The youth is betrayed by the ruby color. The nose is intense with black cherry fruit, licorice, earthy spices of thyme and rosemary. On the palate the tannins are dry and robust. Fruit is prominent but there is evidence of oak ageing. Acid is medium plus. Given the tannins this wine will likely improve over the next 2-4 years. If drinking now choose a red meat with a lot of fat, e.g. rib eye or strip, that will emaciate the tannins.
Sample.
