Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2023 1500ml Magnum

This Rosso di Montalcino thrives on aromatic complexity rather than polyphenolic and alcoholic richness. Intense on the nose yet full of finesse, juicy and fresh on the palate, with a finish that lingers long.

The grapes come from the south-facing vineyards of Col d'Orcia in Montalcino, on a hill overlooking the Orcia river, at an average altitude of 250 metres above sea level. Bud break fell in the second week of April, with the lowest temperatures of the recent climate average and several rainy days. May and June also stayed cool and wet, bringing strong pressure from downy mildew and requiring frequent, targeted interventions. July, August and September were normal, with only a few days exceeding 34°C. Harvest ran from the end of the first ten days of September into the first week of October.

Pure Sangiovese. The must fermented for 10 to 12 days at a controlled temperature below 26°C in shallow, wide 150-hectolitre steel tanks, purpose-built to extract tannins and colour gently. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matured for 10 to 12 months in Slavonian oak casks of 75 and 150 hectolitres, part of it in concrete tanks. Bottle ageing followed.

Bright, semi-transparent ruby red. On the nose, redcurrant, wild strawberry, sour cherry and a touch of sweet cherry, alongside violet, dried roses, cedar, orange peel, bread spices, a hint of undergrowth and a trace of vanilla. The wine glides juicy and fresh across the tongue: cherry, berries and plum, crisp Sangiovese acidity, a fine tannic grip. The finish is intense and long.

Col d'Orcia played a key role in establishing Rosso di Montalcino as its own DOC. Sheep and goats graze between the vine rows, and compost from the estate's own cycle nourishes the soils. The magnum holds 1.5 litres.