Red berries, tobacco, crushed flowers and spices are some of the notes that flow from the 2010 Bardolino. This attractive, fleshy, mid-weight red is best suited for drinking over the next few years, while the fruit retains its vinous, joyous personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. Corte Giara is the Allegrini’s entry-level range. The wines have improved considerably over the last few years now that the Allegrini family has direct control over all of their vineyard sources. The only wine in the range that is disappointing this year is the 2008 Valpolicella Ripasso. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2009 Bardolino very pretty red laced with wild cherries, tobacco, cloves and new leather. This soft mid-weight offering delivers lovely regional character at a very accessible price. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. The Allegrini family has begun moving their entry-level Corte Giara line from a negociant winery to greater reliance on estate-grown fruit. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620