2010 Montepeloso, A Quo, IGT Tuscan Red, Italy.
This fantastic estate near Maremma on the Tuscan coast makes some amazing wines and some top end stuff that rivals Ornellaia and Sassicaia, but I love this entry level cuvee A Quo and think it is a great value. The A Quo is a unique blend of Sangiovese, Marselan, Montepulciano and Alicante Bouchet making for a lively, rich and dark red that delivers plum, cherry, strawberry and blueberry fruits with savory spice, mint, tobacco and cassis. This wine is pure and is all about the fruit, earth and sense of place, and the texture is silky and very refined and the finish is lengthy with hints of lavender, brine and licorice to go with the berry fruit. While the Sangiovese is the leader here, the Marselan (a hybrid grape cross of Cabernet Sauvignon & Grenache) adds hints of black olive, pepper and currant notes which make this lush wine that much more intriguing. Another great import from Rare Wine Co. in Sonoma.
($24 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($22.95)