2008 Italian Wine

One of the founding members of the prestigious Amarone Families association who focus on safeguarding the unique winemaking traditions of Valpolicella, Allegrini sets the standard for a new generation of vintners. This opens with sweet tones of Indian spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is exceedingly rich, long lasting and intense.

The 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows lovely intensity in its dark fruit, grilled herbs, licorice and earthiness. This, too, is another feminine, graceful wine with gorgeous length and a polished, harmonious personality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva is a very pretty, centered wine. Dark cherries, plums, spices, menthol, cedar, game and tobacco are some of the notes that emerge from the glass. The 2008 is an understated Riserva that impresses for its length, focus and balance. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

A juicy red, bursting with cherry, raspberry, underbrush and spice flavors. The balance is there, but this needs time to integrate more fully. A woodsy eucalyptus element emerges on the finish, with echoes of sweet fruit. Best from 2014 through 2025.

Color: Initially dark, ruby red, during maturation it loses intensity and takes on a warmer tone Bouquet: Mesmerizing scent, redolent of violets Taste: Warm, dry, and harmonious with plumy fruit flavors and an aristocratic oak overtone.