Palladino, Riserva, Biferno, Molise, Italy, 2012

Sandwiched between Abruzzo and Puglia on the east coast of Italy, Molise is one of the country's smallest wine regions but is gaining recognition for its very enjoyable wines. This is a blend of Montepulciano and Aglianico, in a rustic style, and it’s crying out for pasta. It is bold and powerful with a complex nose of blackberry fruits, while the palate is velvety with firm tannins and a nice creamy oak finish.