A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (almost in equal parts), the barrique-aged Ruffino 2017 Modus is soft, rich, modern and fruit-forward. The wine adopts a familiar blueprint as a blended red from sunny Tuscany that joins the forces of its indigenous and international grapes. You get terrific value and a fundamentally versatile Italian wine that could pair with local or international dishes. This is the ultimate all-rounder. (ML)

Broad and concentrated, revealing black cherry, blackberry, iron and oak spice flavors. Dense tannins provide plenty of structure, and the fruit holds its own in the end. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (BS)