The 2012 Savuto Superiore Britto is an offbeat blend of Arvino, Greco Nero, Magliocco Canino and Nerello Cappuccio from the deep south of Italy. This Calabrian red offers a medium-build, moderate density and a dark ruby color. The mouth is lean, short and not very impactful. Where the wine excels is in the uniqueness of its aromas that are all specifically tied to the largely unexplored world of Southern Italian indigenous grapes. Beyond the wild berry is white peppercorn, pressed violets, wet gravel, licorice and Mediterranean herb. Drink this wine within the next three years.

Here is an interesting red blend from Calabria that shows loads of varietal typicity. The 2011 Savuto Superiore Britto opens to rustic tones of white peppercorn, dried violets, wet earth and balsam herb. You won't find a wine like this from any other part of the world. The bouquet is savory and spicy and the mouthfeel delivers contrasting sweet against sour flavors. If you are looking for offbeat flavors from Italy's rich patrimony of indigenous grapes, this wine is for you. The blend is made of Arvino, Greco Nero, Magliocco Canino and Nerello Cappuccio. Some 40% of the wine has been aged in barrique for six months and the rest is aged in stainless steel.

Britto opens with very sweet aromas of oak, vanilla, cigar box and jammy berry fruit. Give this wine another year to find harmony because at this point the wood notes are still very evident. In the mouth, it is soft, sweet and smokey.——M.L.(7/1/2011)—— 87