2019 Bertinga - Toscana IGT Sassi Chiusi (750ml)

Bertinga is a young estate perched high above Gaiole in Chianti, founded in 2015 by Anatoly Korneev and Maxim Kashirin after they acquired vineyard parcels once belonging to the storied Castello di Ama. Despite its short history, the property draws on centuries of viticultural tradition in the area, and quickly earned recognition, including a Best Emergent Producer award from the Guida Essenziale ai Vini d'Italia in 2022. Bertinga farms organically across three high-elevation vineyard sites, Bertinga, Vertine, and Adine, each contributing a distinct character to the estate's small, terroir-focused range.

Sassi Chiusi, whose name refers to the area's rocky soil, unites fruit from all three vineyards into a single wine that serves as the estate's more approachable second label. The blend of 85 percent Sangiovese and 15 percent Merlot is vinified separately by variety in steel and cement before the two are blended. The finished wine ages for about 12 months in steel and cement, followed by a further 12 months resting in bottle before release, a slow process that allows it to develop complexity while retaining freshness.

The wine shows a bright ruby color with garnet edges, opening to aromas of ripe cherry, currant, and cedar with a touch of tobacco and sweet spice. The palate is round and soft yet lively, with polished tannins and a fresh, fruit-driven finish. It suits baked pasta dishes, grilled red meats, or a plate of aged pecorino.