Fanti’s 2007 Sant’Antimo Rosso (Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet) is once again a delicious, value-priced wine, something that isn’t easy to find in Montalcino. This soft, floral red offers plenty of dark fruit in a fresh, affable style perfect for casual drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2006 Sant’Antimo Rosso (Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet) is a medium-bodied wine from the Sant’Antimo appellation, located just past the southern border of the Brunello zone. The wine reveals lovely balance in its floral red fruits. Ideally, it is best enjoyed on the young side. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Fanti’s 2005 Sant’Antimo Rosso offers up an attractive set of smoke, licorice, tar and ripe plum flavors on an expansive, generous frame. This soft, pleasing red is best enjoyed over the next few years. Best of all, it is a terrific value. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Fanti is located in the southern part of Montalcino. Although the Brunello gets most of the attention here, I usually prefer the Sant’Antimo Rosso and Rosso di Montalcino, two wines that are truer to their denominations and are also priced accordingly given the quality of what is in the bottle.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620