Saracosa Toscano Rosso Red Wine, Italy 2021

Saracosa is inspired by the Super Tuscan style—a mix of Italy’s native grape varieties and international stars—which was first developed by the renowned Piero Antinori in the 1970s. Its wines kickstarted the region’s renaissance and became some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world.

It hails from the Barbanera family estate (that’s the Barbaneras below), overlooked by the Saracosa hill near Montalcino. Half the vineyards are in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, and the remainder just beyond. In the 2021 growing season, Saracosa’s old vines delivered exceptional concentration. The fruit was then part-aged in French oak barriques to lend a toasty layer of complexity.

The family’s flagship Vecciano cuvée has been hailed by Italian critic Luca Maroni as “one of the all-time great Super Tuscan reds”—and Saracosa is an exclusive (far more affordable) release that marries Sangiovese and Merlot for a similarly rich, smooth style plus luscious dark berry and vanilla flavors.

Dense, dark cherry and chocolatey tones make this a serious choice for pasta with pork ragù or bistecca alla fiorentina (steak with cannellini beans in tomato sauce). Saluti!