2023 Montevertine - Pian del Ciampolo Super Tuscan (750ml)

Montevertine sits on a hilltop in Radda in Chianti, purchased in 1967 by former steel industrialist Sergio Manetti as a countryside retreat before he abandoned business entirely to devote himself to wine. Guided by the legendary consultant Giulio Gambelli, Manetti built the estate into one of Tuscany's most respected addresses, and in a notable act of protest against loosened regional winemaking rules, he withdrew Montevertine from the Chianti Classico appellation altogether. The estate now labels its wines simply as Toscana IGT and remains under the direction of his son, Martino Manetti, who continues that same uncompromising approach.

Pian del Ciampolo is the estate's entry point wine, drawn from young vines across the property and built almost entirely on Sangiovese, rounded out with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino. The grapes ferment in cement tanks before the wine ages for about twelve months in Slavonian oak casks, a traditional method meant to preserve freshness and purity rather than impose heavy oak character.

The 2023 offers ripe red fruit, delicate spice, and floral notes, with soft tannins and bright acidity carrying flavors of cherry, plum, and vanilla. The finish is long, with a faint mineral edge running through it. This is a versatile red well suited to charcuterie, pasta with meat sauce, or grilled lamb chops.