Tommasi Poggio al Tufo 2011 Rompicollo, Italy ($19.99 limited time offer until March 31, #780585)

Maremma Toscana is not a new wine region, though it is a certainly a region seeing change and formal recognition. This is the heartland of the “Super Tuscan,” the southern Tuscan area known for spicing up local Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines were once relegated to being labelled lowly Vino da Tavola (table wine), then they wore the rather broad IGT status (Indicazione geografica tipica). However, as of 2011 Maremma Toscana has been elevated to venerable DOC fame (Denominazione di origine controllata), international cultivars and all.The 2011 Poggio al-Tufo still bears an IGT designation, yet it’s a great introduction to the region. Quite concentrated and showcasing ripe black cherry fruit and savoury olive and spice, it’s distinctly Italian yet very modern-minded — like a new Fiat 500.

Bottom line: B+“Robust yet elegant.”