Some wines feature the name of the grape on the label.

Others list the place where the wine was made.

Then there’s Montecucco Sangiovese.

The name of these outstanding Italian red wines packs in a lot of information.

They describe exactly where these wines come from – Montecucco.

They list the name of the grape used primarily to make them – sangiovese.

But that’s just the start.

In order for a wine to be called a Montecucco Sangiovese, they need to meet several other strict requirements.

We’ll get to those rules in a second.

All you need to remember for now is these wines taste great. And best of all, they cost far less (often in the $15 to 35 per bottle range) than many other red wines from other nearby Italian wine regions.

So this week, it’s all about Montecucco Sangiovese wines – where they come from, how they’re made, as well as tasting notes for four Montecucco Sangiovese wines.

Hope you enjoy.

Where do Montecucco Sangiovese wines come from?

Montecucco is the name of the wine region where these wines come from in Italy. Specifically, Montecucco is located near the west coast of central Italy in the southern part of Tuscany about 100 miles north of Rome. This subregion of Tuscany produces many different types of wines, including a wide range of reds, whites and roses. Many of these wines from Montecucco also have one thing in common – most of them cost far less than many other wines from Tuscany, which makes this wine region a great one worth keeping an eye out for in wine stores and restaurants.

What grapes are Montecucco Sangiovese wines made with?

As you may have already guessed, the primary grape used to make Montecucco Sangiovese wines is sangiovese. Specifically, Montecucco Sangiovese wines must contain at least 90 percent sangiovese grapes. As for the other 10 percent, merlot or cabernet sauvignon are often blended with sangiovese to make these memorable wines.

Other winemaking requirements

Along with coming from a particular place and being made with specific types of grapes, several other regulations apply to Montecucco Sangiovese wines. All of these wines must be aged for at least 17 months, including at least 12 months in a wine barrel. And in order to be called a Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva wine, they must be aged for at least 34 months, including two years in a wine barrel and six months in a wine bottle. In addition, these wines must have at least 13 percent alcohol. But enough about the rules. Let’s get to how these wines taste.

2016 Podere Montale Montecucco Sangiovese ($27 Suggested Retail Price)

This intense, dark-colored red wine has a wide range of bold, earthy, vibrant fruit flavors, including hints of roasted blackberry and cherry along with dashes of fresh-cut cedar and dark chocolate. Full-throttled fun in a bottle.

2018 Poggio Stenti Tribulo Montecucco Sangiovese ($29 SRP)

Made entirely with sangiovese grapes, this lively, energetic wine has a wonderful array of vivacious flavors, including toasted almonds fresh-picked cherries, blueberries and other ripe berry flavors. Graceful and charming.

2016 Pian Di Staffa Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva ($25 SRP)

Another Montecucco Sangiovese made entirely with sangiovese wines, this complex, red wine has a lot of character and personality. Flavors range from dark chocolate and roasted cherries to layers of roasted red pepper, blackberries and toasted almonds. Delicious and delightful.

2016 Tenuta L’Impostino Viandante Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva ($35 SRP)

Made entirely with sangiovese grapes aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine is bright and lively, tasting like autumn in a glass. With hints of blackcurrant, cherry, tobacco, and dark chocolate, it is another beautiful, elegant example of an aged sangiovese wine.

Free Italian Wine Tasting – Provisions in Northampton is hosting a free wine tasting focused on Italian wines. The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 16 from 4 pm to 7 pm, located at 30 Crafts Avenue. More event details can be found on Provision’s website.

High Score, Low Price – Table & Vine is hosting a wine tasting class featuring highly-rated wines that are less than $20 a bottle. The tasting will occur on Thursday, Feb., 22 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at 1119 Riverdale Street, West Springfield. Tickets are $20 and can be bought on Table & Vine’s website.

Boston Wine Expo – The Boston Wine Expo will be held March 2 and 3 at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston. Wine tastings will be held each day, along with specialized wine tasting seminars at different times throughout the weekend. For tickets and more information, visit the Boston Wine Expo’s website.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

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