10 Tuscan Red Wines for $20 or Under | Wine Enthusiast
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10 Tuscan Red Wines for $20 or Under

Home to over 50 appellations, Tuscany is often regarded as one of Italy’s most important wine regions.

The Etruscans were the first to realize the area was ideal for growing grapes, and today Tuscany produces bottles with world-renown reputations.

However, such a big reputation often means these bottles come with a big price tag. But that doesn’t always have to be the case.

Here are some of our top finds from recent tastings. Wines from Chianti are well represented, with options from Montalcino, Montepulciano and the broad Toscana denomination rounding out the list.

Tuscan red wines to look for

San Felice 2016 Chianti Classico; $18, 92 points. This boasts enticing aromas of wild berry, pipe tobacco and violet. On the smooth, juicy palate, polished tannins lend lithe support to black cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle and a hint of baking spice. Drink through 2024. San Felice USA. Editors’ Choice.Kerin O’Keefe

Selvapiana 2016 Chianti Rufina; $19, 92 points. Thyme, woodland berry and floral aromas mingle with a whiff of tilled earth. The taut linear palate evokes juicy plum, Morello cherry, underbrush and tobacco alongside polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Enjoy now for its pristine fruit and precision or hold for more complexity. Drink through 2031. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Editors’ Choice.K.O.

Salcheto 2017 Obvius Sangiovese (Toscana); $19, 90 points. Earthy and savory, this opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, pressed violet, baking spice and a whiff of sunbaked earth. The aromas follow over to the easygoing generous palate along with ripe plum and clove. Enjoy through 2022. Massanois Imports. —K.O.

Altesino 2016 Rosso di Montalcino; $20, 89 points. Wild berry, iris, leather and an earthy whiff of tilled soil are front and center. On the vibrant, linear palate, polished tannins and fresh acidity balance juicy Marasca cherry, pomegranate and a hint of star anise. Drink through 2020. LLS–Winebow. —K.O.

Castello di Gabbiano 2016 Chianti Classico; $13, 89 points. Aromas of violet, dark berry and underbrush lead the nose on this 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Colorino blend. The juicy palate offers black cherry, star anise and white pepper alongside pliant tannins. Treasury Wine Estates. Best Buy.K.O.

Cecchi 2016 Riserva (Chianti); $18, 89 points. Ripe plum, coconut and crushed herb aromas lead the nose. On the palate, polished tannins offer light support for dried cherry, coffee and a hint of licorice. Drink through 2022. Terlato Wines International. —K.O.

Gracciano della Seta 2017 Rosso di Montepulciano; $16, 89 points. Ripe red-berry and fragrant blue-flower aromas lead the nose while the juicy savory palate offers crushed raspberry, wild cherry and baking-spice notes. It’s already accessible, with supple tannins. Ideal Wine and Spirits. —K.O.

Carpineto 2017 Dogaiolo (Toscana); $14, 88 points. Made with 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of dark-skinned berry, baking spice and a hint of violet. The juicy easygoing palate delivers dried black cherry, cinnamon and star anise alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon. Opici Wnes. —K.O.

Folonari 2017 Chianti; $10, 87 points. Wild berry and violet aromas lead the nose while the straightforward palate offers crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry and a hint of clove. It’s light-bodied and easy drinking, with soft tannins. Drink soon. Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. Best Buy.K.O.

Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi 2017 Remole (Toscana); $10, 87 points. Made with Sangiovese and a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of red berry, baking spice and underbrush. The easygoing palate offers red cherry, clove and a hint of white pepper alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon to catch the fruit richness. Shaw-Ross International Importers. Best Buy.K.O.