Agostina Pieri

ROsso di montalcino, italy |  2021

Sangiovese is one of Italy’s most noble red grape varieties. Arguments can be made as to its greatest terroirs, but one thing is unquestionable, the Sangiovese of Montalcino is always in the conversation.

While the region has a long history with winemaking, prior to 1970 there were only around two handfuls of producers making wine in the region. When the Italian government awarded the appellation in 1980 as one of the first four regions to earn DOCG status, it prompted more investment in the area. At that time, there was. around 50 producers of Brunello di Montalcino, today, there are well over 200.

The reputation as a world class representation of Sangiovese has consequently made Brunello di Montalcino and their Riserva amongst the most expensive wines of Italy.

Luckily one can still find a few incredible values in Montalcino, mostly in the form of producers entry level wines, labelled as Rosso di Montalcino. To find the best values, we look to the best producers.

In 1991, Francesco Monaci was able to purchase his first vineyard in the commune of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. This was not a random purchase, as he had come from a family of important vine growers in the region, his uncle, Giancarlo Pacenti was already celebrated as one of the legends of the region. 

Today, Francesco farms 11 hectares of vineyards, producing just three different red wines, a Rosso, a Brunello, and a Super Tuscan. 

The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino is made entirely of Sangiovese Grosso, from vineyards devoted towards the Rosso production. Some declassified fruit from the Brunello also often makes its way into this wine. Grapes are fermented for 15+ days in stainless before transfer to French 500l barrels (2nd & 3rd passage) for 12 months. The wine is held in bottle for an additional year before release.

A rich and bold style of Rosso, with classic red fruit aromas and flavors, hints of sage, cracked pepper and soft tannins. No one considers Sangiovese to be a cocktail wine, so make sure to pair this alongside an Italian-inspired menu, from rosemary scented roasted lamb chops to spaghetti puttanesca. A great value.