I am a big fan of Tolaini’s Al Passo both in terms of its quality and its excellent price point. The Al Passo is mostly Sangiovese with a small part Merlot for extra softness and fruit intensity. It opens to soft layers of dark cherry, grilled herb, and spice that fit together with a great sense of precision and focus. The mouthfeel is linear and rich, but it also shows a noticeable degree of elegance. This is the perfect wine to pair with informal dinners at home with friends and family.
The Antinori Tignanello is an intense ruby red in color with purple highlights. The wine is ripe on the nose with notes of dark fruit and with much underlying freshness on the aromatic finish; plum fruit dominates the aromatic gamut along with cherries, and the aromas evolve with vigor and balance towards sensations of mint and liquorice. On the palate, though still young, the wine is ready and inviting, rich and harmonious; excellent the balance of the flavors thanks to the tonic acidity and the solidity and suppleness of the tannins. The finish and aftertaste are rich and savory and are characterized by a sweet persistence and length. Blend: 80% Sangiovese, 5 % Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.