We’re thrilled, today, to offer you a budget-minded Italian wine that’ll delight and impress you. We got our hands on every last bottle of today’s delicious, food-fabulous Cantina Colli Ripani 2013 Marche I.G.T. Sangiovese. This wine is a Super QPR delight that was a hit with our tasting panel.

The woody aromas of sandalwood and cedar mingle perfectly with both red fruits such as cranberry and black fruits like currants. Brambles and briar patch are also brought to mind. The red fruit is brighter on the palate with cherry and strawberry coming to the fore. The oak is much more subtle than would have been expected from the nose. More meaty flavors are found mid-palate and the surprise comes at the finish when a strong jasmine flavor drifts upward toward the nasal cavity. Soft tannins with a surprisingly round mouthfeel that tapers to the center of the palate as it reaches the back with a long finish. A very versatile wine that would pair easily with anything from a hearty bolognese to an earthy mushroom risotto.

Today’s wine hails from La Cantina dei Colli Ripani, a partnership of over 330 small farmers that have joined together to capture local traditions and sustainability. The cooperative was first started in 1969 by a handful of producers in the hilltop town Ripatransone (the name translates literally to Winery of the Ripani Hills). The Ripani farmers banded together to create the ongoing and sustainable production of wines, to the benefit the surrounding community - while producing wines that define their region’s identity.

Stock up and keep plenty on hand. This is a wine to keep to yourself, for those Tuesday night spaghetti dinners, or to share with friends that you want to impress.