Located in Monsanto-Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence, produced mainly with grapes of Sangiovese (90%) but with a blend of Colorino and Canaiolo (10%), swirling floral aromas of violets mingle with cigar box and plummy cola, attractive flavors of black cherries, dark berries and cassis, detailed by beckoning hints of bacon. MORE >>

It is made from mostly Sangiovese with small amounts of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged 24 months in barrel. The palate is complex and runs the gamut from black cherry pie topped with powdered sugar to black plum and raspberries, to spice and cocoa powder to smoke and licorice. MORE >>

Back in 2006, when I took a cycling trip through Tuscany, I spent a few days in the quiet countryside of Castelnuovo Berardenga, where Sangiovese reigns. didn't have a useable photo of the 2007, so I took one of a 2006 I had in my stock Finely structured with an opulent quality. MORE >>

Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2007 $70 A blend of the best hand harvested Sangiovese Grosso grapes of the Manachiara and Casale del Bosco estates, aged for 30 months in French Allier barriques and large Slavonian oak, then a minimum of 12 months in bottle. here are my tasting notes. One bottle = 1 vine. Enjoyed this very much. MORE >>

75% Sangiovese (Minimum required by DOCG), plus 25% other varieties like Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 79 100% Sangiovese Grosso with flowing aromas of plums, cherries, and barnyard, weaving into animal flavors, expressed by a full body and rich texture, with spice notes, fine tannins, and long chocolate finish. MORE >>