Fattoria di Sammontana Alberese

Just 20km southwest of Florence, where the Arno River curls through the hills, the fourth generation at Fattoria di Sammontana is doing things the old way. Organically and biodynamically farmed, their vineyards are a living archive of Tuscan tradition, and this wine is their most delicious history lesson.

Alberese is a throwback to the old-school Chianti recipe that wasn’t afraid to mix red and white grapes—a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a good batch of Trebbiano that’s is gluggable and bright. The name pays homage to the limestone-rich Alberese soil that Sangiovese loves so much, and that energy vibrates right through the bottle.

Ridiculously easy to love: light, energetic, and juicily alive. Bright cranberries, broken-down raspberries, soft chewable almond cookies, sun-warmed clay, and a twist of black pepper. It finishes with just enough grippy tannins to remind you it’s got backbone—even if it’s wearing flip-flops.

Forget fussy pairings. This is your go-to for pepperoni pizza, a sprawl of cured meats and salty cheese, or a rich pasta carbonara begging for extra pecorino. It’s the bottle you open while the oven preheats and finish before the night even really starts.