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Simplicity has charm when the few elements are in balance, like the beauty of a silent, spare morning. This Sangiovese from Tuscany’s most celebrated wine region has such charming simplicity.
The aromatics are evocative. Black cherry amidst an herb garden—a bit of mulch, a few twigs, and bay leaf, nicely unified but without distinct, focused aromas. A background wood note is not yet integrated but doesn’t distract.
The palate is poised, its earth-toned body sits patiently between lush and lean as it rapidly thins out at the back of the midpalate. A fruit layer persists through the mid-length finish but more like a memory than a dream. Forceful tannins and incisive acidity provide a rough edge; the wine would fit well in tender, calloused hands, head encircled by a straw hat.
A lovely Rosso for the price.
Intimate, familiar and agreeable, perhaps a bit desolate but hopeful with a mid-tempo, deliberate rhythm like Bruce “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day”.
The story: 2016 is a promising vintage in Montalcino. For some reason this relatively small, family-run winery skipped the Brunello and put their premium grapes in their Rosso. 100% Sangiovese from 25–35 year old vines, aged 6 months in large Slovenian barrels, 6 months in used French barriques and 3 months in the bottle before release.
Score: 89
Price: $21 (Purchase Here)
Alc: 14%
