Q: My wife and I recently had the opportunity to drink a red wine that we loved! It was a 1996 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino. Unfortunately, it is out of our price range to drink on a regular basis. Can you recommend a red wine that is similar but not so expensive?
W. Grant
Cary, NC

A: Brunello di Montalcino is, by Italian law, made from 100% Sangiovese, the most famous grape in Tuscany. If you have a hard time finding a Brunello di Montalcino in your price range, choose other Sangiovese-based wines like the popular Chianti (although it's often blended with other grapes) and Carmignano. It's worth noting that Sangiovese is now being successfully grown in California. Here are a few of my favorites in the less than $15 price range.

• 1998, Castello Banfi, Toscana Centine, Tuscany, Italy
• 1998, Brolio, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
• 1999, Atlas Peak, Sangiovese, Napa Valley, California