The 2010 Merlot/Corvina comes across as sleek and expressive. Sweet, floral spice notes add complexity to the fruit in this juicy, attractive red. I especially like the depth here. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Corte Giara is the Allegrini’s entry-level range. The wines have improved considerably over the last few years now that the Allegrini family has direct control over all of their vineyard sources. The only wine in the range that is disappointing this year is the 2008 Valpolicella Ripasso.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2008 Merlot Corvina is one of the bigger wines in this lineup. Dark fruit, leather and spices add complexity and balance to the round core of dark, plummy fruit that flows through to the inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. The Allegrini family has begun moving their entry-level Corte Giara line from a negociant winery to greater reliance on estate-grown fruit.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

An enticing blend, the tank-fermented and aged 2004 Merlot/Corvina IGT reveals ripe berry fruit scents intermixed with notions of tobacco leaves, fresh almonds, and earth. Medium-bodied, with good color and a solid mouthfeel, it should be consumed over the next year. The Ripasso method involves passing the fermenting fresh grape juice across dried pomace.

One of the leading families of northeast Italy, Allegrini’s least expensive offerings are bottled under the Corte Giara label. The richly fruity, medium-bodied, pure 2003 Merlot/Corvina reveals copious quantities of cherry and currant fruit intermixed with notions of chocolate and earth. Drink it over the next year. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 1999 Merlot Corvina's (a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Corvina) deep ruby color is accompanied by a complex nose of mocha, black cherries, and almonds. Round, with delicious fruit, fine purity, low acidity, and abundant glycerin in the gutsy finish, it should be consumed over the next 2 years. Importer: A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620