Castello ColleMassari, Montecucco Rosso Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2012

Montecucco is a small DOC in Tuscany bordering Brunello di Montalcino, its far more famous — and expensive — neighbor.  Montecucco Rosso is analogous to Rosso di Montalcino in that in is Montecucco’s earlier drinking wine. The Riserva designation means it’s undergone additional aging and presumably is better wine.  Well, there’s no doubt about the quality — and value — of this one.  A seamless blend of Sangiovese (80%) with Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon making up the remainder, it combines elegance and Brunello-like darkness with fine tannins that makes it easy to recommend for current drinking with a steak.