The Wines of This Week's Tasting:
Sangiovese, Variations on a Grape
February 18, 2026
2024 Altesino Rosso Toscana IGT
A wonderful effort from this well-regarded Brunello producer that tastefully integrates small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to the center of attention grape, Sangiovese. The combination of these grapes really highlights the Sangiovese with added depth, structure, and complexity. Aroma: Ripe cherry, fresh strawberry, plum, rose petals, tobacco, and balsamic herbs. Mouth: Medium-bodied, bright acidity, clove, cracked peppercorns, warm cherry fruit, porcini mushroom, fine grain tannins, persistent with a fresh lifted finish. A great red house wine to share with friends and family for weekend dinners. Very Good Plus $22.99, Case $19.99
2023 Chiara Condello Sangiovese di Prediappo
Organic - Focused, elegant sangiovese highlights the finesse and minerality unique to Predappio in Umbria. It is a precise and soulful wine with depth, purity, and vibrancy. Excellent with roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, pork loin, and especially veal osso bucco.
Aroma: Notes of deep dark cherry, pomegranate, chanterelle mushrooms, forest floor, and nutmeg. Mouth: Big and brooding, yet a juicy and fresh texture. Structured and well-integrated tannins with a healthy dose of acidity, Sangiovese is known for giving lift to the finish. Very Good-Excellent $29.99, Case $25.49
2022 Montenidoli Chianti Colli Senesi Il Garullo
Montenidoli skillfully blends native red and white wine grapes to great effect. The combination of grape types adds beautiful fragrant aromas, smooth velvety texture, and a lift to bring out vibrant fruit flavors. Organic farming to produce high-quality fruit and minimal intervention with the winemaking result in a wonderful Chianti worthy of Tuscany’s great winemaking tradition. Aroma: Ripe cherries, bright red berry fruit, hints of thyme and sage, licorice, nutmeg, and earthy truffles. Mouth: Medium body, bright acidity, smooth and supple texture, balsamic flavors, Mediterranean herbs, hints of tobacco and forest floor. Pairs well with Osso Bucco, braised beef short ribs, pasta bolognese, and barbecue. Very Good Plus $26.99, Case $22.99
2023 Vallepicciola Chianti Classico
A quintessential example of what Chianti Classico should be done well. All the elements of a good Chianti Classico can be enjoyed with your favorite Italian charcuterie, cheese, ragu, beef, lamb and pork roasts. Aroma: Marasca cherries, raspberry, nutmeg, vanilla, cedar spice box and a hint of pepper. Mouth: Supple red berry and cherry fruit, toasted baking spices, medium body, balanced acidity, earthy truffles, fresh cut fennel, orange peel and hints of peppery arugula on the finish. Very Good $21.99, Case $18.99
2020 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva
A seamless blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo & Colorino shows remarkably well from the start but has much potential to age. whichever you ‘ll be rewarded with a wine that over delivers. Aroma: Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender, and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. Mouth: Dark brambly berries,fresh bing cherry and blood orange, cedar spice box, balsamic notes, and then wild herbs. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at this stage and will continue to drink well for the years. Excellent $35, Case $29.99
Sangiovese Case, two each of the wines,$320 $275
Or mix any twelve at their case prices
At the tasting, get any bottles at their discounted case prices.
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- Richard Harmer
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