Made with organically farmed fruit, the 2016 Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva Terra di Covignano is a sharp and angular wine with tight nervous tension at its core. Those cutting aromas include tart cherry and berry, and this cool vintage delivers a fresh dose of crisp acidity. This is San Valentino's top expression of Sangiovese. I suggest pairing it with a fatty dish enriched with butter or cheese if you drink the wine in the near term. Better yet, you could age it a few more years to see if that acidity softens up. Some 8,000 bottles were made.

The 2011 Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva Terra di Covignano is a richly textured expression of this important Italian grape. This Riserva offers plenty of dark fruit followed by prune, plum, dried blackberry, spice and bitter chocolate. You can feel the ripeness of the vintage thanks to the wine's plush and rich texture. It delivers high intensity and bold flavors.

Here’s an austere and sophisticated wine from Romagna in Central Italy with deep tones of mature black fruit and spice. It boasts an elegant and stylish air thanks to its velvety texture and generous spice overtones. Pair this wine with meat-stuffed eggplant or succulent lamb chops.——M.L.(9/1/2009)—— 91