Medium garnet-ruby color; cherry, licorice, chocolate on the nose; cherry, black plum, redcurrant, roast tomato, coffee on the palate.
Dry; soft, reserved tannins, especially after seven years; good acidity. Medium-plus body. Fermented on the skins for 15-20 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. Sensible oak notes from conservative barrel regime—12 months in 132-gallon tonneaux, followed by another year in 790-gallon barrels. 14% ABV
Podere Montale was founded in 2014 and this is their first harvest and vintage. The grapes come from the estate La Casetta vineyard at about 1,500 feet elevation with south and west orientation. The soils are influenced by Mount Amiata, an old volcano. Warm days are followed by cool nights at this mountain location. Located in the Tuscan hills, the Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG was created in 2011.
The winery is the vision of Silvio Mendini. The website notes Silvio’s aim has been to have the enterprise reflect the land and the people who work with him. They practice conservative farming principles to keep their 49-acre vineyard in balance with the 124 acres of woodlands that surround it. The website notes [Google translation]: “The reason is to protect the typical biodiversity treasure of natural balance. This setting allows us to have minimum impact agronomic practices.” A further quote: “We are committed to giving back to nature what it gives us with each harvest.”
Silvio asserts Montecucco is the “purebred horse” of the Tuscan reds. He harvests the sangiovese grapes for this effort from the highest vineyards on his property. The volcanic soil contributes to minerality, which is abetted by a relatively short time (for a sangiovese effort) in barrel.
Podere Montale Montecucco La Casetta Riserva Sangiovese DOCG 2015 is a thoroughly enjoyable and affordable pour of Montecucco sangiovese produced by a rising star in the Tuscan wine world. Rich red fruits, affable tannins, appropriate acidity and minerality are shepherded through your palate within a constrained oak program. Pure sangiovese play. Impressive, particularly at this price point. Pair with lamb; beef; veal; wild game; braised meats in general; cured meats and charcuterie board; poultry. Cheese—aged pecorino (classic pairing), aged asiago, blue cheeses, fontina, mozzarella, parmesan. $24
