2019 Bertinga - Toscana IGT Sassi Chiusi (750ml)

The 2019 Bertinga Sassi Chiusi blends 85 percent Sangiovese with 15 percent Merlot, sourced from high-altitude parcels near Gaiole in Chianti that historically belonged to the renowned Castello di Ama estate. Operating under this name—Italian for “closed rocks”—the wine captures the stony, limestone-rich soils of the property’s three organic vineyards: Bertinga, Vertine, and Adine. As the estate’s entry-level release, it prioritizes immediate drinkability while preserving clear regional expression.

Primary fermentations occur separately in stainless steel and cement tanks to isolate varietal character before blending. The cuvée ages for roughly twelve months in those same neutral vessels, followed by an additional twelve months resting quietly in bottle. This extended pause allows the structure to harmonize, softening the grainy tannins while anchoring the wine’s natural acidity. The method contributed to the estate earning Best Emergent Producer status at the 2022 Guida Essenziale ai Vini d’Italia.

Pouring a bright ruby edge shaded toward garnet, the glass delivers aromas of ripe cherry, currant, cedar, dried tobacco, and mild sweet spice. The mid-palate strikes a balance between a soft, rounded attack and lively, crisp lift, ending with a fruit-driven, clean finish. Serve alongside baked pasta dishes, grilled red meats, or a straightforward platter of aged pecorino.