Winemaker Notes
A brilliant ruby red in color; this immediately strikes one with the elegance and complexity of its broad aromas of cherries and cloves, which give way to balm-like tones.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of bay leaf, sage, rose and hay lift out of the glass, while dried cherries and cranberry interweave to create an endearing nose. The palate pops with vibrant acidity as tart red fruits race across the palate, the fine tannins providing angles that balance the lush fruit. Playful and serious simultaneously, this wine would sing alongside grilled portobello mushroom steaks with herbs, or pair beautifully with five-spice duck breast.
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James Suckling
A full-bodied red showing notes of chocolate orange, oreo biscuit, lemon rind and plum on the nose. It’s chewy and firm on the palate with zesty acidity. Lively finish. 70% sangiovese, 15% sagrantino, 10% merlot and 5% cabernet. Try from 2025.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.