2022 Castello di Montepo - Morellino di Scansano DOCG (750ml)

Castello di Montepò is the historic Maremma estate of the Biondi Santi family, whose name is synonymous with Brunello di Montalcino and a lineage of Tuscan winemaking that stretches back generations. Jacopo Biondi Santi took on this Scansano property and found in its terroir the ideal conditions to pursue his own vision for Sangiovese, distinct from his family's Montalcino tradition. The estate itself is centered on an ancient manor that has stood as a fortress since medieval times, now surrounded by roughly six hundred hectares of forest, olive groves, and vineyard that make up one of the Maremma's most storied properties.

The vines for this Morellino di Scansano grow across about fifty hectares of the wider estate, planted predominantly on schist based soils that vary in exposure and elevation from plot to plot. Scansano's hills shelter the vineyards from harsher weather, and the mesoclimate stays dry with cooling breezes that help preserve freshness in the grapes through the growing season. As required for the appellation, the wine is built primarily around Sangiovese, known locally as Morellino, and needs no time in wood before release, allowing the variety's fruit character to come through unobscured.

The wine opens with fresh red berry fruit and an ethereal, floral lift that reflects its territorial identity. Sour cherry and a touch of spice carry through the palate, framed by balanced acidity and supple tannins that give it real drinkability without sacrificing structure. It works well with grilled sausages, braised pork, or an aged pecorino, and its lighter frame makes it approachable enough for casual weeknight meals.