I’m drinking this instead of Brunello for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has the aromatic ‘wow factor’ that I yearn for, but seldom find, in a lot of Brunellos. Secondly, it is utterly faithful to the character of the grape variety, Sangiovese. Thirdly, it’s incredibly well-priced when you compare it to serious Brunello and, trust me, it tastes like serious Brunello.

It has a gentle side, with sweet cherry, floral notes, orange peel, cinnamon and scented wood yet it also has a brooding side, a touch of the gothic, with lilies and and black ink, velvet tannins and terrific length. You might notice that it’s closed with a screwcap, which is about the only thing about this wine that doesn’t scream ‘Brunello’! A blend of Sangiovese (95%) and Canaiolo (5%) aged for 20 months in Burgundian oak (20% of which was new). 14.5% alc. Drink now-2036.