A rather fruit driven nose, boasting ample aromas of candied apple, dried plum, and raspberry leads to a rather appealing cherry-drop of a wine. There’s balance, red fruit galore, and structure underneath that makes this a complete, simple, spinner that should give restaurants a reason to wake up. Here’s a middle weight contender that can easily be used to start the food-wine conversation that is Italian wine and food.

Juicy and chunky on the nose, there’s a splash of spice on the palate’s attack that doesn’t ease quickly. This is a full-throttle, leather laden effort that will encourage a round of salumi at the table to greet it.

A ripe nose of baked earth and red apple brings you into a chew-fest, pitting ripe blackberry flavors against succulent tannins. This is a sneaky powerhouse that displays correct winemaking with hidden elegance.

Wild herb, cola, and dark fruit moves the nose, but there’s an unstoppable attack on the palate that gives you dark fruits cloaked in succulent acids that won’t quit. Excellent.