Antinori, Villa Antinori, Rosso di Toscana, Tuscany, Italy 2020

Antinori is one of the biggest names in Italian winemaking, with a winemaking history stretching back over 26 generations. Its Villa Antinori red is like an entry-level SuperTuscan, a blend of Sangiovese with the international grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It works well, with both Tuscan character and something riper and richer going on too – the deep ruby hue a hint at what is to come. Sweetly fruited on nose, there is a soft perfume of cherries, blackberries and forest fruits, with a touch of sweet spice. Its well balanced in the mouth, a lovely balance of mouthwatering acidity and fine tannins with a weight of black plum and tart sour cherry, cranberry fruit, some rosehips, a hint of cloves, and subtle toasty oak on the finish.