"Super Tuscan" wines are the outlaws of Tuscany. They're the region's renegades. They break all the rules and have a great time doing so. If you are feeling rebellious, then you must buy one, drink one. Super Tuscans can be truly fantastic. What makes a Super Tuscan? They don't adhere to rigid D.O.C.G. standards--laws that restrict the types of grapes, methods of production, and geographic origins of particular Italian wines, such as Chianti Classico, Barbaresco, and Brunello di Montalcino (see below). They are the brainchildren of master winemakers who have chosen to think a bit differently about how and what kinds of wine might be produced in a certain area; Tuscany's black sheep, born out of long-standing wine-making traditions in the Chianti region. So how do you know if you are about to buy a Super Tuscan? To begin, the wine must come from--duh--Tuscany (on the bottle you'll find written "Toscana"). Second, there cannot be a D.O.C.G. label on the bottle. These labels have a rose hue and include the name of the wine variety, are found wrapped around or along the top of the bottle, and include a government code. Third, they mustn't have "vino da tavola" (table wine) written on the bottle, a designation Super Tuscans originally carried, but later dropped because of negative associations with mere "table wine." The Super Tuscan shown to the left, Monte Antico, is a true gem. This 2006 "annata," or vintage, received a hearty 90 rating from Wine Spectator. It's made of 85% Sangiovese grapes, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot. It sells for around $12 and can be found at most major wine shops. So, here's the plan. Grab a pen and paper. Jot this name down. Head to the store. Pick up a bottle. Enjoy. Or if you have a specialty wine shop or are buying online, jot down the name to the right, Fontalloro. But be prepared to spend a few extra bucks. Wines that earn 95 WS ratings don't come cheap ($40). No matter, perhaps you'd invite Nello over when you pop the cork?

"I don't want the bottle, I want the juice."

My Italian pals and I blazed through the Tuscan countryside in our Fiat all afternoon, arriving in Montalcino as the sun began its last hours. Our goal was quite simple. First: arrive. Second: drink wine. Not just wine, though. Brunello, one of the kings of the wines of Italy. Brunello, born of the Sangiovese grape, is only produced (and only allowed to be produced) on the hills of the medieval town of Montalcino, not far from Siena. We dropped by Poggio Antico, one of the finest producers of Brunello, and enjoyed some truly unforgettable wines there. Brunello, in order to meet strict D.O.C.G. regulations, is aged for four years in oak and then a year in the bottle before it may even be released for sale. While Brunello is pricey and hard to find in the United States, it’s well worth the effort and money if you plan to celebrate a special occasion or are in the mood for a truly exceptional wine experience. Buy a bottle from your local specialty shop and enjoy with a loved one or perhaps share with friends (though you might find it hard to part with this heavenly nectar). If price tags of $40 and up scare you, then try Brunello’s little brother, Rosso. You’ll be able to pick up a bottle of Rosso for around $18-22. Cin cin, as the Italians say. Cheers.

The Negroni is a true Italian aperitivo, born in Florence in the early twentieth century. It’s a bitter before-dinner cocktail that nicely whets the appetite and lifts the spirits.

I have a few rules for my Negroni. First, it must be garnished with an orange peel. Second, it must be served on the rocks (preferably on cube filtered-water rocks; cube ice melts slower).

How to make a Negroni? First, make sure you have your preferred dry gin, some vermouth, and Campari. Don’t forget the orange. For a good size drink, pour two ounces of gin, two ounces of Campari, and one and a half ounces of dry vermouth in a mixer and shake well (don’t include ice, as this might take away some of the flavor of the gin). Grab your rocks glass, fill her up with three or four cubes, then pour the drink over the rocks. Stir briefly. Garnish with a slice of orange. Enjoy with salty snacks, like olives, chips, or nuts.