Sangiovese

He had all of Italy to choose from—six pages on the wine list at one of West L.A.’s Italian institutions, packed with some of the finest Brunellos, Barolos, and Barbarescos that The Boot has to offer. And the wine our friend Roberto poured for our thirsty five-top of wine experts was the mouthwatering, ruby-hued Poggio…

In Chianti Classico, the Gran Selezione category is meant to denote a lofty level of exclusive luxury. Accounting for just 6% of the denomination’s total production, grown exclusively on estate vineyards, these wines tend to be the best and most expensive releases of the highly competitive appellation—“statement” bottles that show off the best of an…

For the money, there is more pleasure and quality packed in every milliliter of Chianti Classico than any other wine region in Europe, and Canonica a Cerreto’s 2017 Chianti Classico is a prime example.  With its 92-point score—higher than their own 2017 Riserva!— it’s one that Vinous’ Antonio Galloni called “plump and juicy,” and “flashy…

Once upon a time, the 2016 Cantina di Montalcino—from one of the greatest vintages in history—was the Brunello to Rule Them All.  Then we met the 2017. Our own Master Sommelier, Sur Lucero, declared, “In a more harmonious, complete way, this wine is drinking better than the 2016 right now. Frankly, in the under-$40 price…

It’s hard to think of another under-$30 Sangiovese that delivers this level of raw deliciousness and intellectual intrigue.  Exceptionally detailed and refined, Sesti’s Monteleccio is a Brunello in all but name: An approachable yet aristocratic red that combines elegance and power, fruit and savoriness, at an exceptional value price. In short, Sesti captures the heart…

Every vintage, the Cantina di Montalcino flies out of the warehouse into our members’ cellars. It’s a perennial paragon of excellence and value—and the 2018 shows exactly what makes it a massive winner.  As Montalcino’s lone cooperative, Cantina di Montalcino taps a network of a hundred small growers, which gives them a massively rich palette….

Wine Access members need no introduction to Caparzo’s lavish, wild-berry Sangiovese. Ever since we discovered the estate on a buying trip to Tuscany in 2011, its wine has become some of the most beloved and sought-after on Wine Access.  This 2018 release is a rare Rosso di Montalcino that can compete with some fantastic Brunellos….

Castellare’s I Sodi might be the best-kept secret in Tuscany. A powerfully bold Sangiovese, it challenges the most expensive wines in the region every year, yet remains off the radar for all but the savviest collectors. But if you’re just hearing about it now, your timing is perfect, because the 2018 reaches new heights. With…

Morellino di Scansano is “grape heaven,” according to Wine Spectator—an Eden of ​​sun-kissed hills just miles from the Tyrrhenian Sea that produces some of Tuscany’s liveliest, most food-friendly Sangiovese. Spectator called Fattoria Le Pupille its “reigning monarch”—and this 2018 Valente Toscana Rosso shows exactly why, boasting the layered fruit and complexity that have firmly rooted…

An under-$20 Tuscan red boasting 92+ points never fails to capture our attention—especially one attended by rave press clippings, like the dazzling 2018 Il Borro Borrigiano Rosso. “This is a terrific wine with a confident, pure and easy-drinking appeal that is nothing short of charming,” says Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. For that kind of critical…