Ovaida Rosso di Montepulciano 2014

Varietal: Sangiovese

The most common grape variety in Italy and often used in Tuscany to make Chianti wines. If you like strong fruit flavors and floral notes, you’ll love Sangiovese.

Region: Tuscany

Tuscany is home to three major Italian red wines Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano all of which are produced from the Sangiovese grape. It is one of Italy's most famous grapes, but also extremely difficult to grow. Tuscany was also home to a wine revolution in the 1970-80s that created "Super Tuscans," which are high quality wines created often from Cabernet Sauvignon / Sangiovese blends in non-traditional ways to create dense, powerful, and oaky wines. Winemakers are also increasingly making big bodied, buttery, and oaky Chardonnays and fruity Sauvignon Blancs to diversify the region's offerings.

Sub Region: Rosso di Montepulciano

Country: Italy

The best way to make sense of Italian red wines is to simply start tasting them. Italy offers the perfect red wine for every occasion—from pizza on Monday, to roast beef with the in-laws on Sunday, and everything between.  Many of Italy’s best red wines are labeled with the name of the wine appellation, often in combination with the grape variety. If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed while browsing an Italian wine section, knowing just a few key wine names will help keep you focused and ensure that you have the perfect wine to drink at a moment’s notice.

4 Italian red wines to buy for a special occasion: Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello and Amorone                       3 Italian red wines to buy for next year: Gattinar, Rosso de Montalcino, Chianti Classico           2 Italian reds to buy for next week: Barbara d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Alba        2 Italian reds to buy tonight: Lambrusca and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Designation: Ovadia Estates

Wine Styles: Red-Earthy and Savory