Fantini Sangiovese

Fantini specialises in bold, fruit-heavy Italian wine that arrives fully prepared to steal the table’s attention within about thirty seconds of opening. Based in Abruzzo, the winery has built a huge international following through smooth, powerful reds packed with ripe fruit, soft tannins and enough richness to make them dangerously easy to drink.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a massive part of the story here. Loads of black cherry, plum, cocoa and spice, usually wrapped up in velvety texture with just enough acidity to stop things becoming a complete fruit avalanche. Fantini wines tend to lean modern and plush rather than rustic or earthy, but they still keep enough Italian personality to avoid tasting anonymous.

The winery also works across southern Italy, producing wines from Puglia, Sicily and beyond, so the range covers plenty of warm-climate Mediterranean territory. Expect sunshine, ripe fruit and very little restraint basically.

Part of the appeal is how immediately enjoyable the wines are. You don’t need to cellar them for twelve years or decant them through some terrifying crystal contraption. Open bottle. Pour wine. Eat pasta. Excellent evening sorted.

For drinkers after generous Italian reds with loads of flavour and crowd-pleasing charm, Fantini rarely misses.