Poliziano, Rosso di Montepulciano (Tuscany, Italy) 2019

 You would not expect to find some of Italy’s greatest values in red wine in the hallowed vineyards of Tuscany, yet there it is, the Montepulciano district that lies south of the Chianti region and east of the Montalcino district.  Montepulciano hasn’t caught up to its neighbors in popularity, hence the prices lag a bit.  Poliziano is one of the finest producers from the region.  The rosso is its base wine, 80 percent Sangiovese and 20 percent Merlot, and it has plenty of oomph.  Showing notes of black cherry, plum and spice it is an excellent match for grilled poultry, sausages and red pasta sauces.  While not exactly “cheap,” the quality far surpasses the price.