A blend of equal parts of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this is a dark purplish-garnet wine, with a clear ring at the edge. Lush black-fruit flavors show on the nose, plums and Bing cherries and a subtle but distinct whiff of black licorice. Fresh black-fruit flavors carry over on the nose, clean and balanced, framed by tart, zippy acidity that refreshes the palate and 13 percent alcohol, adding up to a good food wine. There’s just a wisp of tannic astringency along with plums and distant anise in a fairly long finish. U.S. importer: Winebow Inc., NYC, Leonardo Locascio Selections. (Oct. 19, 2016)

FOOD MATCH: The back label suggests matching it with “red meat and tomato-sauced dishes,” so we complied and were very happy pairing it with bowls of spaghetti with a tomato-meat sauce topped with plenty of grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

WHEN TO DRINK: Its varietal blend suggests a few years’ aging potential, but its short, lightweight metal screw cap under a red plastic capsule doesn’t look as sturdy as the heavier screwcaps in more common use. I’d be wary of cellaring it for longer periods.

VALUE:
My local retail price is a buck or two over the $10 average reported on Wine-Searcher.com, but I’d still call it a good value.

WEB LINK
Here’s the importer’s detailed fact sheet on this vintage.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Locate vendors and check prices for Vitiano Umbria Rosso on Wine-Searcher.com