When a special bottle of red is on the agenda, you can’t go wrong with this ripe, sinewy Tuscan from the Montepeloso estate. A blend of Montepulciano with Sangiovese, Marselan and a touch of Alicante Bouschet, “Eneo” has a voluptuous bouquet and tastes of cherries, earth and sweet spices. Complex and elegant, the 2008 will stand out at any dinner party, a beautiful example of Tuscan winemaking from Fabio Chiarelotto.

Price: $37 to $50

Style: Rich and complex.

What it goes with: Break it out for a porchetta or pork roast, for stinco (braised veal shank) or a hefty bistecca.

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)
(MCT Information Services)