2021 Montevertine - Toscana Rosso IGT Montevertine Super Tuscan

Montevertine's story begins in 1967, when the industrialist Sergio Manetti bought a hilltop hamlet near Radda in Chianti, originally a rural fortress dating to the eleventh century, meaning it only as a family vacation retreat. He planted two hectares of vines almost on a whim, and after his first bottled vintage in 1971 drew unexpected praise, Manetti walked away from his business career entirely. In 1981 he took an even bolder step, withdrawing from the Chianti Classico Consortium rather than blend in white Trebbiano as the rules then required, a decision that cost the estate its appellation but secured its reputation for pure, uncompromising Sangiovese. Since Manetti's death in 2000, his son Martino has run the estate with oenologist Paolo Salvi.

This bottling, the estate's namesake red, is made from about 90 percent Sangiovese with small portions of Canaiolo and Colorino, sourced from Montevertine's eighteen hectares of vines on the clay, schist, and limestone soils above Radda. Fermentation takes place in concrete, and the wine then ages some twenty-four months in large Slavonian oak casks before bottling, farmed organically throughout.

The 2021 offers pinpoint aromas of blue currant, iris, and red rose, with a tight, elegant texture that opens gradually in the glass. The palate is structured and vibrant, built for aging. It suits braised meats, roast game, or a rich red sauce pasta.