2020 Pierofosco Chianti Governo all'uso Toscano D.O.C.G.

Everyone’s heard of Chianti, one of Tuscany’s most famous contributions to the wine world. But this one’s … a little different. (And, arrives on your table with a 91-point gold medal from the 2021 Sommelier Challenge.) Starting out with a blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, the team at the acclaimed Cantina Etrusca crafted this luscious red using the traditional, centuries-old governo method. After harvest, they dried a portion of the Merlot for a few months—as the water inside the grapes slowly evaporates, the sugars become more concentrated. The team then presses and adds this dense “juice” to young, already-fermented wine. The whole, succulent batch undergoes one more fermentation. Now entering: flavor country Wines like Pierofosco produced by the governo method are famous for being phenomenally rich, smooth-as-silk, and positively packed with flavor. How can you NOT want to give this a taste? Seriously dark in the glass (note those ruby-purple glints!) it offers up aromas of ripe Morello cherry, dried black currant, and roasted plum. More of the same follows on the palate—which, by the way, is incredibly sumptuous and full-bodied, but finishes long, chocolaty, and with an elegant lift. Slow-braised red meats—especially game like bison or venison—will be lovely with this. It needs a heartier meal. Spicy-sausage lasagna will also be a winner. And here’s cool dinnertime talking point: that wine is named after Piero Fosco, a famous filmmaker who put Italy on the world-class cinema map over 100 years ago. (We smell a movie night coming … cheers!)