Poderi Marini 2018 Korone' Red (Calabria)

Calabria isn't known for Sangiovese but the Podere Marini expression might be the first step in changing that, with its nose of cherries, bergamot tea, gravel, wild fennel and other wild herbs. Rusty red notes of hibiscus flower and raw meat are run through with more wild herbs and roots on the palate, before the arrival of baking and grilling spices ranging from cloves to balsamic vinegar to brown sugar. It is easy to love now, but the freshness of the fruit and firmness of the tannins make giving it a few years sound like an idea well worth the investment. Danielle Callegari