Castello Romitorio Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese 2012

Tom Casagrande

An unusually voluptuous Rosso. (Probably should have arranged for @Bill Bender to have “arranged” the photo.) Rich, ripe dark cherry syrup scents with tilled soil and foresty spice. Earthy, soft, and mouthfilling, but it’s good good acidity for freshness. Only quibble is that it finished a tad short, but for a value Rosso, I’m not caring that much.

Doug Hengel

2012. Got it from Garagiste. Bright, fruity, silky tannins. Good length and very tasty. Great example of a welcoming Italian wine.

Tom Casagrande

This is what Italian wine is about: it goes with Italian food. Medium-bodied. Nose of Morello cherry liqueur, a hint of spice, and loads of gravelly/minerally character. So transparent in the mouth. Nice balance. A bit of slightly gritty tannin. It won't "wow" at a tasting but you'll reach for it a lot with red sauces and Italian braises.