Rocca di Frassinello’s entry-level wine, the 2007 Poggio alla Guardia, is generous, ripe and inviting in this vintage. The wine offers gorgeous dark red fruit, herbs and spices. As is often the case, Poggio alla Guardia shows some slightly awkward mineral/metallic undertones that are distracting. With a touch more polish, this could be a significantly more important wine. Still, it is a tasty offering from one of Maremma’s young, emerging properties. Poggio alla Guardia is 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese aged in stainless steel. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Here’s a bright, fruit-forward red blend (with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese) that offers tonic aromas of white cherry and wild berries. There’s a slight touch of almond skin at the back and the wine cuts clean over the palate thanks to its acidity and fresh berry flavors. It is aged in stainless steel and cement for crisp, easy flavors. ——M.L.(3/1/2010)—— 87