Earthy, levity, classic.
This Sangiovese dominant blend went through malolactic fermentation before being aged in Slavonian oak and a small amount in stainless steel. First produced in 1985, it is known for it's fruit expression and that's certainly been my experience with it.
The 2020 delivers strawberry and plum compote, leather, sweet brown spices, cocoa and pipe tobacco aromas. It has notable levity and the palate is more earthy and restrained than the nose. Spice, cocoa, tealeaf and coffee flavours are primary.
Pairs with slow cooked meats, classic Italian pizzas or hearty tomato sauces.

©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 15th, 2023

Second review:
Great typicity here with smoked red cherries, saddle leather, strawberry, grilled herbs and cedar with layers of fine spice. The palate is fresh and juicy, it is medium-bodied with red berry fruit, leather, herbs, tobacco and spice to echo the nose. Fine chalky tannins and well balanced acidity in a rustic package.
A perfect foil for Italian dishes and any tomato based pastas or pizza.
©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 11th, 2013

Classic spicy red cherry aromas wrapped in leather, roasted coffee beans, red plum, sunbaked earth, wild herbs and toasted oak. The palate is fresh with appealing rustic charm. Nice balance here, plenty of juicy red fruit with fine toasted spiec andetobacco trailing on the finish.
Pairs with slow cooked meats or hearty tomato sauces.

©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 10th, 2012

I love the classic Chianti character in this widely available and consistent Tuscan. Expect juicy cherry and strawberry jam, leather, tealeaf, rose petals and fine spice. It has an earthy tone to the palate with leather, tobacco and spicy red fruit. Expect lively acidity in this food wine and a long finish carrying cedar and and toasted spice.
Pairs with slow cooked meats, classic Italian pizzas or hearty tomato sauces.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 27th, 2013

Seductive, fragrant, balanced.
Here's a wonderful IGT dominated by Sangiovese and blended with the international varieties of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah.
It seduces with aromas of cherry liqueur, strawberry jam, sarsaparilla, cedar chips, rose petals, pipe tobacco and grilled red bell pepper. Supple and savoury it shows cocoa and espresso, savoury spices and earthy undertones.
Balanced and fresh, rustic yet modern.
Pair: Tuscan inspired dishes, roasted meats, hearty pastas, salumi and strong cheeses.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 23rd, 2020

This is great value for a charming red Tuscan, which offers kirsch and strawberries, saddle leather, peppery spices and tobacco on the nose. It expresses high-toned fruit in the mouth - juicy cherry and strawberry flavours are layered with earthier, cocoa, tobacco and leather culminating in fine spices. Recommended pairings: Spaghetti with pomodoro sauce, hearty soups, pizza or medium-firm cheeses.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 20th, 2013