Principe Strozzi Selvascura Toscana IGT 2018

“It’s a great time to be a fan of Tuscan wine, whether you are enthralled with the native Sangiovese grape or a devotee of the Super Tuscan-inspired blends that rely on international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot,” writes Wine Spectator. Crafted at the 1,000-year-old estate of Prince Girolamo Strozzi, this sought-after Super Tuscan takes that statement up a notch, as you’ll get to enjoy all of the aforementioned varieties in one world-class red.

The masterful Franco Bernabei, “one of Italy’s foremost winery consultants” (Decanter), is renowned for crafting pure Sangiovese. But he also looks beyond the strict rules of each Tuscan appellation with the aim of making the best wine he can, from the very best fruit each vintage. He’s no stranger to blending Sangiovese (star grape in Chianti and legendary Brunello di Montalcino) with international stars Cabernet and Merlot, smooth Syrah, and more.

To craft Selvascura (Italian for ‘dark forest’), Franco carefully selected and hand-harvested top-notch grapes from three prime-sited vineyards near the ultra-premium village of Bolgheri (home to $200-a-bottle Sassicaia). The Strozzis, Franco’s good friends (and yours), have owned estates here since the 10th century, and have quite an interesting lineage (they are directly descended from Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, aka the Mona Lisa – really!).

As you’ll discover, this rich Super Tuscan sports seductive aromas and silky flavors of tangy cherry and ripe plum, with satiny tannins and warm spice notes. Enjoy it like Tuscan locals, who’ve been famous since the Etruscan times for hearty beef dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina (porterhouse steak with rosemary and olive oil) and osso buco alla Toscana (veal shanks slow-cooked in tomato and wine).

A hard-to-beat Super Tuscan value with a big following – hurry for your share.