This wine definitely took me by surprise. I did not expect the density or the richness that you get with the 2017 Sangiovese from Italy's tiny Molise region. This hot-vintage expression of a grape planted across central Italy (mostly in the Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions) offers unique concentration and darkness here in Southern Italy. From afar, it could be mistaken for a Cabernet or a Merlot. The aromas are also atypical. Here, you get stronger elements of black cherry, spice and pencil shavings. This mid-weight wine delivers terrific value. Some 350,000 bottles were made.

The 2014 Sangiovese is an IGT Terre degli Osci wine that has enjoyed a long string of successful releases over the past decade or so. This particular vintage is slightly less intense in terms of bouquet and mouthfeel, yet you still get a very good view of the Sangiovese grape. The wine presents sharp contours with bright berry nuances, sour cherry and moist chewing tobacco. A pretty blast of acidity appears on the finish.

Di Majo Norante does a great job with its 2013 Sangiovese (an IGT Terre degli Osci wine). This expression shows a great sense of balance and harmony with red fruit energy that emerges from the glass. Cherry, dried blackberry and currants are part of the aromatic equation. So are softer aromas of spice, leather and tobacco. That crisp Sangiovese acidity comes through nicely and the wine ends with firm tannins and an elegantly streamlined mouthfeel.

The 2011 Sangiovese Terre degli Osci is a deep, fleshy wine endowed with serious power and richness, not to mention dark fruit profile. Hints of leather, licorice and tobacco linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014. I was totally struck by the wines I tasted from Di Majo Norante this year. This range is packed with a number of fabulous values. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2010 Sangiovese Terre degli Osci flows with supple fruit, showing the round, dark side of Sangiovese. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620