Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2020

A single-varietal Sangiovese from Montalcino, delicately structured and carried by the minerality of its soils. Sweet dark fruit and a chocolatey note stand against a lively acidity, making the wine invigorating rather than powerful.

Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Erbach have farmed six hectares in Montalcino since 1997, spread across the four sites Pian dell'Orino, Pian Bossolino, Scopeta and Cancello. The vines grow at 300 to 400 metres above sea level on galestro and fossilized shells; the two created their own geological maps for their plots. Work follows strict biodynamic principles: pruning according to the lunar calendar, spraying with nettle and chamomile tea instead of chemical treatments.

Sangiovese Grosso, unblended. Spontaneous fermentation in an open wooden vat, ageing in large wooden casks, no oenological interventions. Yields are extremely reduced: one vine yields one bottle of wine.

In the glass, deep cherry red, almost opaque to the rim. The nose brings together blackberry, cassis and black cherry with dark chocolate, thyme and rosemary, alongside floral notes of rose petals and violet. On the palate, silky tannin, lively acidity and mineral depth. Decant if possible; two days after opening it shows particularly beautifully, and it continues to gain with cellar ageing.

Wild boar ragù with pappardelle, duck breast with peppered cherries and polenta or chestnut-grape-walnut crostini.

13.5% vol., dry. After the 2008 Brunellopoli scandal, the estate published the analytical data of its harvests; with the Sangiovese Per Amico initiative, it continues to uphold this stance.