Picture, if you would, gentle sloping hills with signature Sangiovese grapes providing a tapestry for a stone villa with a commanding view of the countryside.

In the barrel room, names like Sangiovese, Bellisimo, Moscato and Pinot Grigio tempt the visitor with a handsome parchment-like label with the proprietor’s name: Robert Renzoni.

Are we in Tuscany or possibly north of Milan?

In Temecula, Robert Renzoni, with his father, Fred, recently unveiled a vineyard and winery that footprints those lovely wineries that dot the Italian landscape.

The Renzoni family involvement with wine goes back to 1886. Robert is fourth generation with a keen knowledge of the importance of family and historical tradition. It is this soul of Italian winemaking that supports Robert Renzoni Vineyards and will carry it to stardom in Temecula Wine Country.

Robert is no stranger to wine country. "I was with Leonesse Cellars as their sales manager and saw an opportunity to bring a new kind of winery to Temecula," he said. "We are bringing a touch of Italy to Temecula. Our Sangiovese is Old World-style: a light-to medium-bodied table wine with plenty of flavor.

"Our focal point will be a Tuscan-style two-story villa, which should be constructed next year, that will house a landmark 50-foot bell tower with a bell that’s been handed down through the family. The second story will be a VIP-style tasting room with an outdoor deck for gatherings."

In the meantime, a comfortable tasting room has been put together in the barrel room, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the vineyard on De Portola Rd. between Keyways and Leonesse wineries.

There, visitors can taste and purchase six wines: a Advertisement

AMCR Institute. Inc 2007 Pinot Grigio; a 2007 La Rosa with a lovely strawberry summer taste; a 2007 Bellisimo; a 2007 Moscato; a 2006 Sangiovese, aged 17 months in American oak; and a 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel with brilliant aromas of ripe blueberry and blackberry.

Robert pointed out that "we will have a Cabernet and a Chardonnay soon, and we have just planted Brunello Sangiovese clones on the property. Our wine club is up and running and is offering 25 percent off all wines."

I fell in love with the ’07 Bellissimo, a refreshing white that reminded me of a smooth Sauvignon Blanc, and the ’06 Sangiovese with grapes sourced from Paso Robles.

In my enthusiasm for this infant Vineyard and winery, I tripped and addressed Robert as Mondavi. Correcting myself, it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, Robert Renzoni may one day be the Robert Mondavi of Temecula Wine Country. The wine is that good!

For phone contact, call (951) 302-VINO or access information at www.robertrenzonivineyards.com.

More from Temecula

Cougar Vineyard and Winery is another of Temecula’s newest wineries with the first husband and wife winemaking team of Rick and Jennifer Buffington. They own about 10 acres and also believe the Italian-style wines are what is best grown in this area.

They are also on De Portola Rd., where last year they were medaled with their Chardonnay, estate Sangiovese, Muscat Canelli and Riesling.

Cougar is also planting Montepulciano, Aglianico, Vermentino and Primitivo grapes. Look them up at www.cougarvineyards.com.

Frank Mangio is a wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. His library of columns may be viewed at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.