The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino is a full-bodied expression that is loaded tight with red fruit, spice (this Rosso sees six months of tonneaux), grilled herb and cassis. On the Rosso di Montalcino scale, this wine is much heavier and more extracted than its peers. You feel similar power in the mouth thanks to bold fruit flavors, textured tannins and a bright spot of acidity. This is a Rosso in superdrive. Drink it within the next two years.

The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is an upfront and juicy wine that puts its ripe fruit flavors boldly on display. The style is rich and soft with thick padding to coat the palate. It boasts all the requirements to pair with tagliatelle with melted butter and black truffle oil. The reported 15% alcohol is distracting and that’s why the wine is better paired with a fatty dish. Drink: 2014-2018. Guido Andretta and Rosalba Vitanza moved from Rome years ago to follow their dream of making wine in Tuscany. Their beautiful Tenuta Vitanza is located in the Torrenieri zone, tucked away in the far northeast corner of the appellation. This area is characterized by dense clay soils and the wines made here offer a significant departure from the rest of Montalcino in terms of extra color, extract and general boldness. In fact, this departure is sometimes so great that some have questioned whether Torrenieri should be included in the appellation at all. These prejudices are ridiculous. Giving stronger identity to the individual sub-zones of Brunello di Montalcino helps to establish the stylistic versatility of Sangiovese as expressed through the strict winemaking bylaws set forth by the denomination. These “different” wines don’t take away from the prestige of Brunello, but add to it in my view. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, www.kysela.com

The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino bursts from the glass with sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and licorice. The 2010 is a big, chunky Rosso with no shortage of character. It will drink best when paired with similarly hearty foods. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Importer: Vintners Estates Direct Importing, Healdsburg, CA; tel. (707) 433-8488

The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a powerful, burly wine with good depth to its fruit and fine overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Importer: Vintners Estates Direct Importing, Healdsburg, CA; tel. (707) 433-8488