“Bramosia means ‘desire’ in Italian and as artist Rik Olsen has illustrated on the label, the underlying theme here is romance. Bacchus and Venus make great company, but the magic begins only when Cupid strikes. He is the fundamental ingredient in any romance, just like Sangiovese is the key component in Chianti Classico.” Donna Laura’s Bramosia is made by the Toliani family, in tribute to the aunt who used to host Lia Toliani in Tuscany. It’s a delicately handled wine, 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot with just 10% of the wine seeing any time in oak, this is a pure expression of Chianti fruit. Earthy aromas of brick dust and potting soil, red cherry, raspberry, oregano and sage lead to a classically medium bodied texture with plentiful velvety tannins, ripe berries, and a hint of baker’s chocolate. Earth lingers long on the finish. Serve early and often with bolognese, fried eggplant, and meaty stews of every stripe.