Kissed by the Tuscan Sun

Monte Antico Toscana 2007. Beppi sez: 89 points, 15 bucks. Yes, one can still find affordable and positively delicious Tuscan reds from the superb 2006 vintage. This is made from 85-per-cent sangiovese, 10-per-cent cabernet sauvignon and 5-per-cent merlot. Unlike many such blends, though, it doesn’t let the French grapes obliterate sangiovese’s fragile cherry fruit and earthiness. The cab and merlot merely contribute a bit of oomph in the mid-palate as well as tannic structure. It is medium-bodied, with pure cherry, a touch of leather on the finish and dusty tannins that stimulated my chewing reflex. I love wines you can chew. Drink it now or keep it for two more years.

Meghan identified its pinot characteristics.