Aromas of sliced apples, peaches, stones, herbs and white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a concentrated, complex and spicy palate. Delicious finish. Drink now

Gorgeous scents of cherry, raspberry, rose hip and white pepper are augmented by leather, tobacco and chalky, mineral flavors in this detailed, complex red, which starts out fresh and inviting, before the dense matrix of tannins puts a lock on the finish. Nonetheless, this has length, harmony and stellar potential.

The 2021 Rosato Susumaniello Askos is understated and dusty in character, yet with an exotic spiciness that keeps me coming back to the glass. It washes across that palate with glycerol-like textures, while delivering ripe green melon and sweet inner herbal tones. While a bit short, the Askos succeeds in leaving the senses completely refreshed and aching for another sip.

Lots of red plums and cherries on the nose with a palate that has a full body, thick silky tannins and a fresh and flavorful finish. The tannins are in good balance against the ripe fruit. Fresh and transparent at the end. Drink or hold.

This wine shows its MGA name "Roncaglie" on the front label for the first time. That's because Vietti recently acquired additional land in this cru site. The total holdings now span two hectares of vines. The 2018 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria is made as if it were a Barolo (instead of a Barbaresco) and is released one year after its peers. It shows tart fruit and dried cranberry with some mild spice and tarry smoke from two years in large oak casks. Exactly 5,026 bottles were made.

Italian Wine Gems That Should Be Better Known

Chianti Classico is the best known district of the large Chianti zone, there are other sub-districts that are home to several renowned producers. Directly east and slightly north of the city of Florence, Chianti Rufina (pronounced ru-fee-na) is home to some of the highest vineyards plantings in all of Chianti, and one of the premier producers from here is Fattoria Selvapiana. Proprietor Francesco Giuntini Antinori first produced this wine from the 1979 vintage, and makes it only in the best vintages. 100% Sangiovese, matured in French barriques, the wine displays appealing cherry, orange zest and rosemary aromas and is medium-full on the palate, which is typical of the 2018 vintage in this area. The wood notes are subdued and the tannins are round; this is a highly complex, flavorful Chianti Rufina with great charm and style. Enjoy it tonight or over the next 5-8 years.

This is a very fruit-forward syrah with crushed blackberry and raspberry and hints of cloves. Medium body with firm, fine tannins and a spicy, lightly meaty aftertaste. Drink or hold.

Pomegranate and peach aromas and flavors. It's a fuller rosé with lots of fruit and flavor. Peach and melon with some orange-peel undertones. Slightly oily. Drink now.