LESSER KNOWN WINES THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU.
Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. #1
Slowly Braised Pork Chops with Tomato Jam and Basil. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano makes a very good pairing with this dish. Despite the name, this wine is different from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo which is actually made with Montepulciano grapes.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made with Sangiovese grapes, from the Prugnolo Gentile strain to be exact. I find this wine has a body between Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, both made also with Sangiovese. Usually, I am not very fond of Ruffino wines, but this particular Ruffino Tenuta Lodola Nuova Vino Nobile is truly a delight to drink. Dense aromas of ripe fruit and licorice permeate the air as soon as you open the bottle.

No need to wait too long for the wine to open up. The first sip grabs you with a good amount of acidity and soft tannins. Great value at about half the price of a Brunello.