Montecucco isn’t a wine area I anticipate most individuals are accustomed to — I wasn’t — so let me introduce you to this small a part of the Maremma space in Italy, a locale you’ll discover between Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scansano. Sangiovese is after all the grape of alternative right here, however mixing grapes are generally used to spherical issues out. At the moment we have a look at three very totally different wines from Montecucco, all prepared to your vacation desk.
2017 Maciarine Montecucco Sangiovese Reserva DOCG – Inky black in colour, I’d haven’t blinked an eye fixed when you advised me this was sagrantino. Weighty at a whopping 15.5% abv, the wine is laden with darkish notes of blackcurrants, anise, darkish chocolate, and tobacco. Because it develops within the glass, the wine emerges as enduringly leathery however candy; the expertise is immersive and complicated, and with airtime it variously showcases notes of violets, raspberry, and mint all through its journey. That mentioned, it’s a troublesome street when you’re ingesting this solo: There’s a lot tannic depth right here that the wine turns into overwhelming within the absence of a hearty meal to encompass it with. Plan accordingly. A- / $20
2019 Tenuta L’Impostino Ciarlone Rosso Montecucco DOC – A a lot cheerier wine and much lighter on its ft. Vibrant cherry up entrance cuts a extra basic sangiovese profile, tempered with mild notes of anise, chocolate, and a blended floral affect. The flavors are tenacious on the palate, cola and tea leaf notes combating their method by way of a modest core of tannins and including layers of nuance. The end exhibits simply how a lot acidity resides within the wine, although ample oak affect retains every thing in steadiness. A standout for any event. A / $21
2019 Poggio Trevvalle TorEnte Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG – Reasonably tannic however not as heavy because the Maciarine, with extra raspberry than cherry within the combine, alongside a barely floral edge. Darkish chocolate dominates the end, adopted by some lighter notes or strawberry and vanilla. Slightly atypical for Tuscany, however pleasurable, significantly at mealtime. B+ / $25
2017 Maciarine Montecucco Sangiovese Reserva DOCG
$20
