In 1997, Fabrizio Pratesi and Stefano Chioccioli, a well-respected enologist and agronomist, decided to plant new vineyards at a density of 4,200 vines per acre, enabling them to dramatically reduce the yields and tweak the concentration of color and flavors from their yields.

“Locorosso” is made from 100% Sangiovese, which is hand harvested in early October. The grapes are crushed, macerated and left on the skins for at least 20 days in order to provide greater color and aromatics. After fermentation, the wine is matured in barriques for four months and then bottled.

Locorosso offers intense scents of strawberry, cherry, black currant, chocolate, and hints of pepper. The palate has rich, firm plum fruit flavors with notes of cherry, black earth and a touch of tar. Soft on the palate with sweet, jammy tannins and a long finish. This affordable and high-quality Sangiovese is affordable, delicious and perfect with roast pork, grilled sausages or Tuscan-style Porterhouse steak.

—Donald