A hearty blend of Corvina and Corvinone (40%), Rondinella (15%) and Sangiovese (45%), the 2009 Concentus follows the winemaking philosophy of Amarone. The wine boasts a supersized bouquet with earthy tones and red beets, dried fruit and rustic notes of cola, raw spice and cured meat. The wine opens to a medium dark garnet color but shows bright acidity on the close that really pulls it together. The freshness of the large Sangiovese component definitely leaves its mark. In a nutshell, this is an intriguing, albeit offbeat, wine. Drink 2014-2022. Corteforte is a beautiful castle built in the 1400s with crenulated watchtowers that soar above Pergola-trained vines. It’s a tiny, boutique estate run by Carlo Maria Cerutti who farms a mere three hectares of vine. As they say, “good things come in small packages,” and Corteforte has delivered quite a few gems this year. Importer: The Wine Company, www.thewinecompany.net