Tuscany

Home to famed wines like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany is a hotbed for tasty red wines. But those storied areas come with stringent regulations, which often stifles creativity and the drive to constantly push boundaries. For examples of wines that don’t like to color within the lines, look to bottles labeled with region-wide appellations like Toscana IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). This category includes highly-regarded Super Tuscans destined for your cellars, or easy-sipping, savory reds that are great as an everyday pour. Marchesi Antinori 2017 Tignanello (Toscana); $135, 97 points. Aromas of cassis, menthol, blue flower and pipe tobacco shape the nose on this gorgeous red. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the delicious, elegantly structured palate delivers dried black cherry, ripe blackberry, licorice and vanilla framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2029. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Cellar Selection. –Kerin O’Keefe Tenuta San Guido 2019 Guidalberto (Toscana); $70, 95 points. This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It’s nicely balanced by fresh acidity. Drink 2022–2029. Kobrand. Editors’ Choice. –K.O. Isole e Olena 2017 Cepparello Sangiovese (Toscana); $95, 94 points. Scorched earth, new leather, ripe black-skinned berry and balsamic whiffs of camphor and cedar form the nose. Smooth and juicy, the savory palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, mature plum, toasted hazelnut and ground clove set against velvety, enveloping tannins. Drink 2022–2029. Chambers & Chambers. –K.O. Bibi Graetz 2018 Testamatta Sangiovese (Toscana); $99, 93 points. With a few swirls of the glass, this releases alluring scents of fragrant blue flowers, wild berries, pipe tobacco and menthol. Made from the grapes of old vines of Sangiovese sourced from five top estate vineyards, the vibrant, elegant palate features juicy raspberry, Morello cherry, licorice and toasted nuts alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. It’s still young and primary, with bright acidity. It needs a few more years to fully develop and will still offer years of pleasure. Drink 2023–2030. Folio Fine Wine Partners. –K.O. Brancaia 2017 Ilatraia (Toscana); $65, 92 points. Made with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this opens with heady aromas of ripe black-skinned berries, cedar and scorched earth. The concentrated, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, clove, mocha and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2027. E. & J. Gallo. –K.O. Salcheto 2019 Obvious Rosso Sangiovese (Toscana); $19, 91 points. Made with organically grown Sangiovese and without added sulfites, this certified sustainable wine has intriguing aromas of truffle, leather, cold cuts and ripe black plum. Racy and tangy, the savory palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and wild herbs framed in lithe tannins and vigorous acidity. It closes on a salty note. Drink through 2024. Massanois Imports. Editors’ Choice. –K.O. Supremus 2015 Toscana; $19, 91 points. Black-skinned berry, underbrush and leather aromas emerge from the glass. The polished palate features dried black cherry, ground black pepper and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2028. Empson USA Ltd. –K.O. Buli 2016 Estate 44 (Toscana); $24, 90 points. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, this has aromas evoking Mediterranean scrub, cedar and black-skinned berries. The savory palate features blackberry jam, clove and black pepper alongside polished tannins. Drink through 2027. Dark Star Imports. –K.O. La Selva 2019 Privo Organic Red (Toscana); $15, 90 points. A blend of organically grown Sangiovese and Alicante, this offers aromas of red-skinned berry, underbrush and white pepper. Made without added sulfites, the juicy, fresh palate features raspberry, cinnamon and clove alongside polished tannins and bright acidity. Enjoy through 2025. The Jack Edwards Collection. Best Buy. –K.O. Tenuta Le Calcinaie 2019 Ingredienti: Uva Sangiovese (Toscana); $22, 90 points. Made with no added sulfites, this 100% Sangiovese has aromas of red-skinned berry, underbrush and baking spice. The bright, juicy palate doles out red cherry, crushed raspberry and cinnamon alongside taut tannins and lively acidity. It’s made to be enjoyed young, so drink through 2023. De Grazia Imports, LLC. –K.O. Bocelli 2018 Sangiovese (Toscana); $16, 89 points. This Sangiovese opens with aromas of red-skinned berries, leather and underbrush. The bright palate offers red cherry, cinnamon and clove alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2024. August Wine Group. –K.O. Frescobaldi 2019 Remole (Toscana); $10, 87 points. Made with Sangiovese and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, this thoroughly enjoyable red opens with fruity aromas of wild berries and a whiff of just-pressed grapes. The easygoing palate offers juicy Marasca cherry and a hint of ground clove alongside pliant tannins. Drink soon. Shaw-Ross International Importers. Best Buy. –K.O.