The 2004 Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto is an easy, accessible red from the Montecucco appellation, an up and coming district for Sangiovese-based wines. With its fresh aromatics and plump ripe fruit, it is a highly enjoyable wine to drink now and over the next two to three years. Made from a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Ciliegiolo and 15% Montepulciano aged in used French oak.Colle Massari is a new property that Claudio Tipa of Grattamacco is developing in the Montecucco appellation. The vineyards are farmed organically and the majority of the estate’s vineyards are planted with Sangiovese.Importer: Bedford International, Larchmont, NY; tel. (914) 833-2725

Delivers unexpected tones of roasted nuts, and behind the toasted notes are some tones of garden greens and artichoke leaf. It does, however, have pretty intensity in the mouth and simple spice flavors.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 86