2018 Le Bertille - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Le Bertille was founded in 2002 by Saverio Roberti on a small parcel in the shadow of the Tempio di San Biagio, southwest of Montepulciano. The estate is now run by his daughters, Olimpia and Oretta Roberti, with Olimpia having left a career in law to take up winemaking full time. The family farms organically across twenty-two hectares, producing around 65,000 bottles a year, a scale that keeps the operation close to the land and hands-on in the cellar.

The wine is built primarily from Sangiovese, rounded out with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino, grown at roughly 400 meters above sea level on tufaceous, clay-rich soils about two kilometers from Montepulciano's historic center. Following tradition, the wine ages around two years in wood before spending an additional year settling in bottle, a slow process that builds its structure and depth.

The 2018 shows an intense ruby red with garnet edges, its bouquet layering black cherry and violet over earthy, savory undertones. The palate is richly textured and firmly structured, with ripe raspberry and bitter cherry notes carrying into a long, lingering finish. It pairs naturally with Tuscan cured meats, grilled meats, or a hearty pasta dish.