1 | Wine | Other Red, $10 to $20, 86 or higher

"A more sophisticated side of Montepulciano emerges from the 2008 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Spelt. Sweet floral notes lead to dark red berries and spices in this polished, gracious Montepulciano. La Valentina did a great job with the 2008, a wine that shows the pure elegance and refinement that Montepulciano is capable of. Sweet floral notes add lift on the finish. A pretty, beautifully balanced, silky wine loaded with class, the Spelt should drink well for the better part of the decade. Best of all, the Spelt is a fabulous value."

"Another striking, entry-level wine, the 2010 Isola dei Nuraghi Costera caresses the palate with juicy dark cherries, plums, tobacco, spices and licorice. Elements of sweetness, inner perfume and pure silkiness distinguish the Costera from the vast majority of its peers. A hint of sweet flowers and mint lingers on the finish."

"A delicious, entry-level offering, the 2011 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigne Nuove is fabulous. Juicy red cherries, flowers, mint and tobacco jump from the glass as this unoaked Montepulciano shows off its considerable juiciness and sheer appeal."

"Attractive floral, plum and raspberry aromas are elegant and complex, offering a spicy, juicy edge and ending with supple tannins."

"The 2009 Signo Bobal (a blend of 90% Bobal and 10% Syrah) may be the finest Bobal-based wine I have ever had. It was bottled without fining or filtration after spending time in mostly French and some American oak. It boasts a dense purple color along with wonderful sweet, jammy strawberry and black cherry notes intermixed with floral, licorice, graphite and spice characteristics. This dense red reveals a terrific texture as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel, yet it is light on its feet. This amazing Bobal should drink well for 3-4 years." -Robert Parker

"Layers of smoke, grilled herbs, menthol and minerals are overlayed on a core of black fruit. The Ramitello shows serious power and intensity all the way through to the palate staining finish. Floral notes add lift and freshness on the close."

"A gorgeous entry-level wine, the 2011 Etna Rosso is remarkably balanced and poised. Sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice, fennel and herbs emerge form this utterly gracious and compelling red. This is a great showing from the Rosso. The wine’s depth, balance and harmony are first-class all the way. Based on this showing, I can hardly wait to taste the other wines in the range!"

"It has a fresh, floral bouquet with dark cherry and blueberry fruit that offers commercial appeal. The palate is supple and rounded on the entry with bright cassis fruit and a svelte, satisfying finish that coats the mouth."

"Powerful and dense, this is full of well-structured flavors of dark plum, boysenberry and wild cherry that are accented by notes of mineral and sage. The long finish exudes white pepper and savory spice, with hints of chocolate. Pure and vibrant."

"Balances kirsch and macerated blackberry notes with aromatic layers of wild flower, brick dust and sanguine flavors. Lively, with moderate tannins and a graphite edge to the smoky finish."