varietal: Sangiovese

Country of Origin: Italy

Appellation: Chianti Classico

Retail Price: $16.00

Tasting Notes: Always a solid wine and great value, this new vintage hits it out of the park. Dark red cherry and crushed blueberries fill the mouth with a slightly more modern feel. Showing great balance, the finish is sprinkled with dried herbs and subtle spices. An amazing value makes this an every-day wine that would love to be paired with pizza, or dressed up for short ribs.

Country of Origin: Italy

Appellation: Morellino di Scansano

Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Finding Morellino can often be tough in some markets, but I sure am glad I found this one. The blend is 90% sangiovese rounded out with 10% cabernet. I’m not sure what cabernet is bringing to the party here, other than to prop the wine up a bit, but the sangio is doing all the lovely work. Exotic aromas of red flowers and rustic red fruits abound from this lovely wine. Subtle mushroom and sweet damp earth also give way to an even-more-enticing taste. The depth of the palate on this wine is broad and silky, with tart-yet-sweet cherry and plum. What a winner on many fronts.

Country of Origin: Italy

Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Intense cherry is harmoniously complemented by notes of spice, with flavors of oak rounding out this beautifully balanced and well-integrated Chianti. A must with grilled and roasted meats as well as heartier dishes.