Fattoria Bibbiani "Treggiaia" (2008) Tuscany

A super Super-Tuscan from Fattoria Bibbiani, a small (12,000 cases annually) hilltop estate located about 10 miles west of Florence. The estate, which has been in owner Luigi Donato's family for over 150 years, is also home to the famed botanical gardens of Bibbiani and one of Italy's three oldest private theatres. Bibbiani's Treggiaia is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and is aged for 12-18 months in 2nd passage French oak barriques and 3 months in the bottle before release. Medium in body with a classic Tuscan color and nose. (I wanted to use a profile of Tony Bennett as the photo, but his ancestor's are from southern Italy) A terrific food-friendly red.

Antonio Sanguineti Chianti (2009) Tuscany

A delicious everyday Italian red from "Maestro" Antonio Sanguineti, a land-less winemaker who produces about 12,ooo bottles a year from grapes sourced throughout Tuscany. Made from 75% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Ciliegiolo, and 5% Colorino. Deep, dark red color. Strawberry/dark cherry nose. The Sangiovese is vinified in stainless for 20 days while the other grapes are vinified for 10 days in open wood vats. The grapes are then blended, bottled and moved along. Solid. A wine to drink without pants (the way the "Maestro" likes it).

The Boulevardier Cocktail

An urbane, classic cocktail that was the signature drink of Erskine Gwynne, the socialite grand-nephew of railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, who, in the late 1920's edited a monthly magazine in Paris (think The New Yorker) called The Boulevardier. A recipe for the drink first appeared in mixologist Harry McElhone's 1927 bar guide Barflies and Cocktails (Harry relocated from the Plaza Hotel in New York City to Paris because of prohibition). The elixir is similar to both a Negroni and the Old Pal except Bourbon replaces the Gin in a Negroni and Sweet Vermouth replaces the Dry in an Old Pal. To make a Boulevardier, combine 2 oz. Bourbon, 1 oz. Campari, and 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth in a tall mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until cold and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange peel or cherry. Repeat as necessary.

Alberto Longo “Capoposto" (2008) Puglia

A silky Puglian delight from Alberto Longo, a historic 35 hectare estate located in Lucera, in the north of Puglia, in the north of Puglia, in the north of Puglia...... (I like the way that sounds) The wine is 100% Negroamaro that tastes very polished and rich. Deep ruby red color with purple highlights. Full nose of spice and brambled fruit. Fermented and aged in stainless for six months and another three in the bottle before its release to the undeserving masses (not the kind Mitt Romney does not care about, but the general wine drinking public).