Wine & Spirits Buying Guide 2011:  Rated as Exceptional examples of their type.  "It's hard to imagine a friendlier wine: Between this Rosso's scent of truffled earth and the sweet fruit that bursts out in the end, this is the kind of old-fashioned Tuscan red that may well make you smile.  It's bright, contrasting a robust tannic spiciness that accelerates through the finish.  Ready to decant for braised beef." Apr 2010

Winery:   "The color is ruby red with purple reflections.  Aromas of cherry and blackberry mingle with floral notes.  The taste is medium-bodied, fruit forward and round, with soft, velvety tannins."

Wired For Wine:  In vena di qualcosa di delizioso?  Then you are going to love this Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano!  At this price, this is yet another terrific opportunity for a tasty Italian red that won't permanently harm your wallet.  Enjoy your first ruby red glass with some wild mushroom, garlic butter crostini.  You may be temporarily transported to a Tuscan hillside if you close your eyes... The lovely combination of earthiness, lush red and black fruits, silky tannins and a bright countenance makes this Poliziano ideal for meat, lamb, roast pork, and hearty pasta dishes.  We think it is particularly well suited to fork-tender osso buco and a toasted pine nut gremolata.  Che cosa potrebbe esserci di meglio?  We invented our own favorite lasagna made with meatballs and eggplant in the layers, and this Tuscan red couldn't be better with it.  If you would like to bring out the silky tannins of the wine, we suggest grilled lamb and fig spiedini (skewers) with mint-pepper glaze and grilled baby artichokes.  At this point, you will want another glass, and a course to go with it, so open one more bottle and savor it with a Spanish Garrotxa cheese.  It's milky with a hint of nuttiness and will cozy up to this friendly Italian like a long lost friend...

Size:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot
Alcohol:  13.65%
Ageing:   8 months, 40% in second-use American oak barriques, remainder in vats.
Region:   Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy