2001 Villa Antinori Toscana

Until this vintage, Villa Antinori was the name the Antinori family reserved for their Chianti riserva. But with the excellent 2001 vintage, they’ve retooled the recipe. Villa Antinori is now a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a little Merlot and Syrah. Aged a year in oak casks and eight more months in bottle, it’s really a Supertuscan, but without the usual high price tag.

The 2001 Villa Antinori beguiles with a sweet and true scent of cherries, but the taste is darker and more complex, earthy and chewy. Seamless and, as always, beautifully made, it’s a wine I could drink all night.

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Quick swirl

Region: Tuscany

Price: About $18

Style: Elegant and full-bodied

Food it goes with: Everything. Roasted and grilled meats and poultry, braised dishes.

Where you find it: Available at fine wine shops and retailers.