A Few Unusual Italian Reds

Looking for a rich Italian red that won't break the bank? Try these wines from Veneto, Sicily and beyond.

Sicily: Cerasuolo Di Vittoria
Cerasuolo, Sicily
Cerasuolo Di Vittoria is a blend of Nero D'Avola and Frappato.
Try: Cos, Valle Dell'Acate, Planeta
This is a smooth, rich red with just enough flower and finesse.
Under $30 at Gotham Wines.
Can't get enough of Planeta? Check in for a session at the winery hotel and cooking school, la foresteria.

Veneto: Palazzo della Torre
Veneto makes Amarone, Valpolicella and other well-known Italian reds. We like Palazzo della Torre that uses Amarone grapes and methods for a easier-drinking, easier on the wallet wine. 70% Corvina , 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. A portion of the fruit for this wine (30%) is left to air-dry on racks (Amarone-style). WA 89 points.
Try: Allegrini
"An irresistibly stylish wine... opulent, generous red is loaded with jammy dark cherries, chocolate, spices and sweet toasted oak." WA 90 points.
Around $16 at 67 Wines.

Tuscany: Il Bruciato
Okay, we haven't done a Tuscany post yet, but here's one Tuscan red we love that won't break the bank. Il Bruciato Guado Al Tasso Bogheri is a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah blend -- and the second wine of Guado al Tasso. The top wines from Bogheri are all winners, and so is Il Bruciato.
About $25 at NapaCabs.
More: Check out The New York Times and Cork Popper on Tuscany.

Tuscany: Tenuta Monteti
From the Tuscan coast, "Monteti" scores 93 points WA. Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot blend.
Around $26 at K & L Wines.

Friuli: Ronco Del Gnemiz Merlot
Mostly Merlot. Soft tannins, full bodied and structured. Strange name, great wine, a bit pricier than the others on this list, at around $70 a bottle. Rosso Del Gnemiz Ronco Del Gnemiz available at Morrell.

Umbria: Falesco Merlot
Looking for a less pricey Italian Merlot? Try Falesco Merlot Umbria, around $16 at Wine Chateau. More on Falesco from Wine90. Or Falesco Montiano from Latium, around $35 also at Wine Chateau.

Of course there's nothing wrong with the "on the beaten" path Italian reds. Like Montalcino and her Brunellos and Rossos (see Vinography article) and Piedmont and Barolo.

Salute! Buon vino.