Oh, to be travelling to Tuscany right now! Unfortunately, it’s not in the cards for me anytime soon, but tasting through some delightful Sangiovese-based wines recently, I was transported, at least briefly, from my home office.

Between Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scansano, I have less experience with the wines from this area compared to some of neighbors. But that needs to change, as these wines offer their own unique signature on Sangiovese, and a lot of value.

Grown in vineyards on the southwest slopes of Monte Amiata (opposite the Brunello slopes), and the region shares a similar climate. The wines are between 60-90% Sangiovese, depending on the DOC or DOCG. Last year, the region’s consortium released a study showing 85% of the Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG production was certified organic, higher than other neighboring regions. President of the consortium and winemaker Giovan Battista Basile says the goal is to increase organic production in the future.

In the glass, these wines really deliver some depth, vibrancy and personality. If you haven’t checked out Montecucco wines before, and can find some, they’re worth investigation for sure. Especially when compared to some of their neighbors, the value to be found out here is really exciting. Dig in!

These wines were received as samples and tasted single blind.

2017 Poggio Trevvalle Montecucco Rosso Pontolungo – Italy, Tuscany, Montecucco
$17
Deep ruby color. Has a bright nose of raspberries and cherries, with roses, spicy pepper, along with anise and clove, a lot of freshness. The palate shows suave tannins. And a deep core of tart cherry fruit along with fresh acidity. Grippy tannins provide structure while floral and savory tones like mushroom and earth abound. Elements of graphite, iron and violets add complexity. The floral and savory complexities need some time to develop, but a beautiful Sangiovese at a very reasonable price. (89 points IJB)

2016 Azienda Agricola Palmoletino Montecucco Rosso Scarafone – Italy, Tuscany, Montecucco
$24
Medium ruby color. The nose shows a spicy, beefy, savory, peppery mix over red plum and strawberry fruit, some pepperoni and paprika tones. The palate shows light tannins, some saucy, olive-driven brine tones with cracked pepper and mushrooms. Some potpourri with clove and dried orange peels, along with these earthy, tobacco tones. Delightful stuff that begs for roasted meats, stews and family and friends. (89 points IJB)

2015 Podere Montale Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva La Casetta – Italy, Tuscany, Montecucco
$29
Light purple color. The nose shows deep cherries and currants, with notes of incense, chocolate, leather and tobacco, all warm and spicy. Grippy tannins and bright acid set the stage well for juicy red cherry and plum fruit. Lots of smoky, peppery, earthy, tones, gravelly elements – and it’s balanced and nuanced throughout. Definitely one to decant or age a few years, but a very impressive Sangiovese. (91 points IJB)

2016 Basile Montecucco Ad Agio Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Italy, Tuscany, Montecucco
$30
Deep ruby color. Fresh and inviting on the nose with raspberries and red cherries mixed with subtle earthy, smoky, peppery tones, and floral potpourri – all woven in well together. Crisp acidity frames this wine so well, over a bed of supportive but fine-edged tannins, very nicely balanced. The raspberry and cherry fruit is crisp and vibrant, and laced with complex notes of earth, savory spices, mushrooms, clove, red pepper flakes and rose petals. Refreshing, vibrant, but age-worthy, this is gorgeous Sangiovese, really something. (92 points IJB)

2016 Maciarine Montecucco Sangiovese – Italy, Tuscany, Montecucco
$20
Medium ruby color. A delightfully meaty and spicy nose with pepperoni and black pepper, tobacco, over top mulled cherries and cranberry relish. The palate shows grippy tannins, a burly style but moderate acidity keeps this fresh. The tart black cherry and currant fruit mixes well with a host of interesting elements: graphite, scorched earth, roasted fig, tobacco. Needs time, but the balance is there, and so much savory complexity will develop in the cellar. Surprising depth and value. (90 points IJB)