From: Tuscany, Italy

Varietals: Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: A super value, Super Tuscan from a historic Montalcino property. Rich, toasty aromas envelop a sultry core leading into a structured finish. You’ll find aromas of coffee, mocha, cassis, baked blackberry pie, baking spice, bing cherry, and a hint of graphite, tobacco, and leather that continue to the palate. We recommend decanting or letting this wine open slowly in the glass; you’ll find the palate starts out leading with a lot of Cabernet Franc personality (lean, dark fruit, graphite). Once exposure to oxygen starts doing its thing, this little wine lets its hair down in an impressive “Tuscan personality meets Bordeaux structure” kind of way.

Pairing: Super Tuscans and meat go hand in hand as a lot of Tuscan dishes feature braised beef and veal. Grilled pork loaded with herbs will be complemented with a number of these varietals. Osso buco, a hearty stew made with lamb shanks, is a perfect pairing with these bold wines. Veal parmesan is another dish that can stand its own when paired with these heavier wines. Rich sausage dishes work wonderfully with a super Tuscan that features strong spicy, peppery notes. Meat-based pizzas, especially if wood-fired, will also highlight the complex flavors in these wines. And, while all the above is delightful, we’re going to share a rich, vegetarian, umami-filled recipe that will also pair wonderfully with this wine: Mushroom Lasagna by Florence Fabricant.