1999 Zerbina ‘Torre di Ceparano’ Sangiovese di Romagna

Even in Italy, Tuscany isn’t the only region growing Sangiovese. Emilia-Romagna produces a sea of mostly forgettable reds, but a few producers are doing good things with the local variant of Sangiovese. Winemaker Cristina Geminiani of Fattoria Zerbina made a remarkable Torre di Ceparano in 1999. Pure Sangiovese, it’s a full-blooded red with notes of plum, cherry and tobacco. All those ripe, complex tannins mean this food-friendly wine should age well too.

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Quick Swirl

Region: Romagna, Italy

Price: About $18

Style: Lush and intense

Food it goes with: Rustic soups and pastas, roast birds and meats.

Where you find it: Beverage Warehouse in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-2822; Vendome Liquors in Toluca Lake, (818) 766-9593; Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.