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Blackberries, red berries, saddle leather, tar and bay leaf.

The rolling hills of Italy's Chianti region, located north and east of the Tuscan city of Florence, may look similar as you drive along the road. But stop to taste wines along the way, and you'll find what winemakers have long known: that a patchwork of microclimates and terroirs makes up this ancient landscape. Chianti Rùfina is one such unique area: located to the north of Chianti Classico, around the town of Rùfina, it sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding hills, close to the Apennine Mountains. Temperature fluctuations between night and day are greater here, which means the grapes develop thicker skins to preserve their natural acidity. In the glass, this translates into wines with slightly firmer tannins, less up-front fruit and a structure that rewards aging. "Rùfina Riserva" is a designation applied only to the best bottles from the region, which have been aged for a minimum of three years. This selection comes from I Veroni, an estate once part of the sprawling feudal domain of the land-wealthy counts of Guidi, who warred with the dukes of Florence on and off for much of the Middle Ages, until their defeat in the early 1400s. Like many estates in the area, it's built around an ancient watchtower, now incorporated into the farm buildings.

I love comfort food at any time of the year. My Polenta Lasagna is a wonderful take on the classic lasagna; rich with sausage, peppers, three cheeses and all bathed in a wonderful marinara sauce. Perfecto! Just don't forget a crispy Italian baguette to compliment the wonders of this recipe. If you are looking for a great party idea, try my Venetian Sausage Bites. I dare you to have just one! How about one more option--break out your best artisanal salumi and jars of marinated crudités for a superb antipasto platter pairing.

I Veroni refers to the wide terraces bordering the yard of the farm that were used to dry up tobacco leaves and grain cultivated in the plain along the Arno banks.