Italian Wine Regions
The heritage of Italians with wine dates back many millennia. However, before three wars and several political misadventures during the first half of the 20th century, this incredible legacy began to …
Sangiovese
Tua Rita 2012 “Perlato del Bosco” Sangiovese
Super Tuscans were born on the Italian coast, and warm Maremma is the cradle of many modern wines. The region is known for massive Cabernet Sauvignon, with the depth and breadth …
Redi 2009 Orbaio Toscano
A beautiful balance of classic Tuscan Sangiovese and muscular Cabernet. Cocoa-dusted spice and lush dark fruit on the palate meld into tart cherry and mineral. Elements of anise and toast emerge …
Castelli del Grevepesa 2010 Clemente VII Chianti Classico Riserva
An impressive Reserva that offers an increased level of depth and verve. A classical note of leather ties together aromas of rusty iron and sandalwood. A hefty dose of gritty tannins …
Rocca delle Macie 2008 Ser Gioveto
Super Tuscan Wine Review I often describe Italian wines like this as a conversation between Italian winemakers and wine drinkers in America. We ask for a taste of the old country, …
Poggio Scalette 2012 Chianti Classico
The Greve Valley is lined with terraced vineyards. Looking across the valley from this winery, those stone walls can look like a giant scallete (ladder, in Italian). At least it did for the …
Villa Cafaggio 2010 Chianti Classico
The winery dates back as far as the 14th Century. It was labeled the “Cahago,” the Tuscan term for a walled field. It was bought by the Farkas family in the …
Piccini 2008 Sasso Al Poggio, Tuscany
This style of Tuscan wine is turning into the most popular with American wine drinkers looking for good value in Italian wines. This is something of an irony: It wasn’t too …
Bacio Divino 2006 Pazzo, Napa
I was surprised when I saw this on the wine shelves. Ialways have a bottle of two in my cellar, and I always pay around$30 a bottle… gladly. A Sangiovese that …
Katharina and Helmut Gangl 2003 Zweigelt
Velvety smooth nose, like a cross between the game of syrah and the smoke of Sangiovese, all of it brightened up nicely by ripe, red berry fruit. White pepper flavors take …
Fattoria di Magliano 2007 “Heba” Morellino di Scansano
I was lamenting the scarcity of good and inexpensive Italian Sangiovese, and this one shows up a day later to prove me wrong. Nice balance of modern and classical Italian winemaking, …
Luna 2007 Sangiovese, Napa
Year in year out, this is one of the best cal-ital wines made. Brilliant cranberry and leather notes balance out on a ripe framework, with a touch of nutmeg and potpourri …
Di Majo Norante 2002 Ramitello
This wine, made from 80% Montepulciano and 20% Aglianico, is not for the faint of heart. The nose is a rich combination of cloves, blackberry, orange peel, and a bit of …
