Tuscan Sangiovese $25 and Under - Wine & Spirits Magazine

Tuscan Sangiovese $25 and Under


Our blind panels tasted 185 new-release Tuscan Sangiovese in the past year. Stephanie Johnson, our critic for Italian wines, rated 99 as exceptional (90+) and 14 as Best Buys. Here’s a selection of great options for $25 or less from our April 2021 issue.


Badia a Coltibuono
2018 Chianti Classico Cultusboni RS

88 | $16

Bright and bouncy, this reflects the moderate 2018 growing season in its flavors of sour cherry and pomegranate and hints of green herbs.
Dalla Terra Winery Direct, Napa, CA


San Felice
2018 Chianti Classico

88 | $16

Flavors of red and black cherry take on an earthy cherry-pit bitterness in this wine’s rounded tannins.
Vision Wine & Spirits, Taunton, MA


Gagliole
2018 Chianti Classico Rubiolo

88 | $20

Buy this wine

A hint of Sichuan peppercorn accents this wine’s dark cherry flavors, while raspy tannins cleanse the finish. It’s a bit rustic, ready for beef stew.
Vias Imports Ltd, NY


Badia a Coltibuono
2018 Chianti Classico

91 | $22

This estate wine opens with fresh scents of roses and violets. Those appealing aromas lead into flavors of juicy red cherry and raspberry brightened by notes of orange zest. It’s an excellent value and a mouthwatering wine for the dinner table.
Dalla Terra Winery Direct, Napa, CA


Castello di Verrazzano
2017 Chianti Classico

91 | $24

This wine’s black-cherry flavors are ripe and plummy, laden with notes of licorice and underlined by firm, ferrous tannins.
Taub Family Selections, Boca Raton, FL


Salcheto
2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

92 | $24

A long, even ripening season in 2016 gave this bright, energetic wine—an explosion of juicy cherry and berry fruit brimming with tangy acidity and highlighted by notes of licorice and menthol.
Massanois Imports, NY


Salcheto
2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

92 | $24

With impressive freshness and acidity in 2017, this wine’s red-cherry flavors are fleshy and ripe, tinged with notes of orange peel and cinched by taut, chalky tannins.
Massanois Imports, NY


La Braccesca
2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

90 | $25

Buy this wine

This wine’s flavors of ripe black cherry tinged with notes of orange peel and menthol offer immediate appeal, the flavors underlined by firm, ferrous tannins that give it a sturdy framework.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA


San Felice
2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio

90 | $25

This dark and spicy 2017 unfolds with flavors of black cherry and orange zest edged in notes of vanilla and spice. Pair it with hearty dishes or even spicy stir-fries.
Vision Wine & Spirits, Taunton, MA


Pomona
2017 Chianti Classico

91 | $25

This lively wine from a certified-organic grower shows flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry wrapped in lightly raspy tannins, bright and balanced.
Skurnik Wines & Spirits, NY


Volpaia
2018 Chianti Classico

91 | $25

A juicy and energetic 2018, this wine’s ample acidity freshens the bright cherry flavors. The wine fleshes out with exposure to air, gaining hints of orange zest and subtle spices.
Wilson Daniels, Napa, CA


L’Erta di Radda
2018 Chianti Classico (Best Buy)

92 | $25

This Chianti Classico unfolds with fleshy red-cherry flavors propelled by zippy acidity as the wine takes on notes of citrus zest and apple skin—integrated, fresh and balanced.
North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA


The wines on this page were chosen by our editors, from our tastings for the April 2021 edition. After our editors made their selections, we offered wineries the opportunity to promote their Best Buy award with a bottle image and brand links.

is the Italian wine editor at Wine & Spirits magazine.


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