Plush, ripe Merlot plus deep, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Bordeaux varieties were widely planted in the Friuli region of Tre Venezie during the 19th Century, and Merlot and Cabernet are among the most successful, locally and for export.

With 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet, and not a touch of oak, this is a good example of how to make a fruit-forward wine with character. Ripe berries, dark fruit and spice flavors.

What could make Pinot Grigio even more enjoyable? Some Chardonnay to give it more depth and richness. Ecco Domani blends 40% Chardonnay in this wine, which makes it a perfect food wine.

A bunch of floral and citrus aromas are followed by apple and tropical fruit flavors. We get some peach and pear flavors. Medium body with a snappy, crisp finish.

Ecco Domani gets grapes from about 1,200 acres of vineyards in the hills of Chianti, and every inch is “dialed” in for flavor. This is a modern Chianti, with a little Merlot in the blend for depth and dimension. Great, ripe Sangiovese profile – a model wine.

Big bouquet in the glass, all cherry and spice aromas. Well structured progress of flavor: lots of red fruit, some pepper. Lingering, easy finish.

Here is an example of how old traditions and new styles merge in Italian winemaking today. Merlot has been growing well in Italy since the middle of the 19th Century and has recently come into its own, not only for its blending charms, but for its distinctive character as the lead grape in a varietal wine.

Deep red, but not opaque. Mid-weight, big fruit and accessible. Classic soft Merlot character. Blackberry, cherry and spice flavors.

Italians did not invent Pinot Grigio, but they sure know how to make it. Grapes from the three prestigious growing regions surrounding Venice on the Adriatic Sea contributed to this charming refresher.

Very light straw color, almost clear. Some late harvest (“surmaturo”) grapes add tropical interest to the blend. Fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Light, clean finish. No oak.