An international blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Castello di Gabbiano 2016 Alleanza Cavaliere d'Oro is hearty, rich and concentrated. The wine shows good balance, something that can be counted on in this excellent vintage, with dark fruit flavors, well-managed tannins and just enough acidity to keep it lively and food-friendly, especially with a classic pappardelle with wild boar. It will get the job done no matter what meat dish you serve next to it.

The 2015 Alleanza Cavaliere d'Oro is a rich and full-bodied blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon with darkly concentrated fruit, backed by the soft exuberance and plump ripeness that defines this vintage. You really can't go wrong with a wine like this, because it delivers on all its basic promises. It is not particularly territory-specific, but it does hit all those hot buttons for a blended red wine from Tuscany with ripeness, richness and luscious dark concentration. After almost 18 months in French barrique and then 15 months in the bottle, there is still some astringency to the tannins, and that bitterness is worth mentioning. Some 24,000 bottles were made.