Our panels recommended 120 Italian wines in our October issue. Here are the reds that outperformed all others for their price, reviewed by Stephanie Johnson.
Ampeleia
2020 Toscana Unlitro
88 | $22/1 liter
Carignan and grenache come together in a lively and floral red, its flavors of cranberry and raspberry buoyed by mandarin-orange acidity.
Imported by David Bowler Wines, NY
Baracchi
2019 Toscana O’Lillo
88 | $20
This blend offers rich, spice-laden flavors of black cherry and plum framed by robust, meaty tannins. For burgers.
Imported by Grapejuice Group, Denver, CO
ColleMassari
2018 Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto
87 | $17
A brief burst of bright cherry flavors with hints of soft herbs makes this a wine for roast chicken.
Imported by Winebow, NY
Lohsa
2019 Morellino di Scansano
88 | $16
With ripe red-cherry flavors wrapped in round tannins, this is a wine to serve lightly chilled.
Imported by Dalla Terra, Napa, CA
Le Macchiole
2019 Bolgheri Rosso
93 | $35
Bolgheri’s long, moderate growing season in 2019 yielded this beautifully balanced and layered blend of estate-grown merlot, cabernets franc and sauvignon, and syrah. Already appealing for its smooth texture, fresh thyme and lavender scents and crunchy purple fruit, this gains depth and intensity as it opens in the glass, suggesting it may be even better in a couple of years.
Imported Vintus, NY
Morisfarms
2019 Maremma Toscana Mandriolo Rosso
90 | $27
This austere wine opens to flavors of tangy plum and crunchy herbs framed by light, raspy tannins. For poultry or pork.
Imported by Kindred Vines, Troy, MI
Poggio del Moro
2016 Toscana Rosso Toscana
88 | $20
Dense flavors of raspberry and plum make this a rich, earthy wine, tts gritty tannins and warmth built for a steakhouse.
Imported by Grapejuice Group, Denver, CO
Prelius
2019 Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon
88 | $17
Hints of fresh tobacco accent this wine’s flavors of black raspberry and dark chocolate. Firmly tannic, it’s a lively wine to pair with a ribeye.
Imported by Wilson Daniels, Napa, CA
Querciabella
2018 Toscana Mongrana
88 | $23
Tangy red-cherry sangiovese combines with the darker fruit of cabernet sauvignon and merlot in this rustic, peppery wine. For pepperoni pizza.
Imported by Maisons Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA
Michele Satta
2019 Bolgheri Rosso
90 | $25
A lively introduction to Bolgheri blends, this wine offers flavors of juicy plum and black cherry edged with notes of mint and framed by firm, leathery tannins.
Imported by Monsieur Touton Selection, NY
Poggio al Tesoro
2019 Toscana Mediterra
90 | $30
Scents of lavender and violets lead into plummy purple-fruit flavors laced with notes of black pepper, all framed by velvety tannins. It may not be a wine for the cellar, but the plush flavors provide plenty of immediate appeal for a by-the-glass program.
Imported by E&J Gallo, Modesto, CA
Poggio al Tufo
2019 Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon
88 | $18
Lavender scents and a hint of green spice meld with this wine’s flavors of plum and black currant. Its brawny tannins would play well with a juicy burger.
Imported by Vintus, NY
Poggio al Tufo
2018 Toscana Rompicollo
88 | $18
Firm, raspy tannins frame flavors of red cherry and raspberry, that primary fruit warmed by notes of cassis that lend a slick richness to the wine.
Imported by Vintus, NY
The wines on this page were chosen by our editors, from our tastings for the October 2021 edition. After our editors made their selections, we offered wineries the opportunity to promote their award with a bottle image and brand links.
is the Italian wine editor at Wine & Spirits magazine.
This story appears in the print issue of October 2021.
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