Dark ruby-garnet color; black cherry, blueberry, roasted tomato, raspberry, plum, blackberry, cranberry, mint, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; grippy, firm tannins—decanting advised. Good balancing acidity (3.39 pH). Very ripe, dark fruits through extended finish. Somewhat one-dimensional, but delivers more than expected at this price point. Full body. Blend of 80% sangiovese, 20% merlot, syrah, petit verdot. Grapes are manually harvested and sorted. Temperature-controlled fermentation for about 15 days with pumpovers exposed to the air. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in cement tanks. Matured in large barrels and cement tanks on the lees for at least 18 months, then aged minimum of six months in bottle before release. 14.5% ABV
Tenuta L’Impostino (“Tenuta” is Italian for “estate”) is the dream of Patrizia Chiari. After the birth of twin daughters, she left her job as commercial director of a major design company to pursue a vision of a winery and venue. The winery and vineyards are in the Maremma region of southwestern Tuscany bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. It traditionally was populated by cattle herders and gives its name to several breeds of domestic animals. Two breeds of working horses (the Maremmano and the Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale), and a breed of large grey cattle. The Macchiaiola Maremmana is breed of a small pig—part of the Tenuta L’Impostino estate had a building dedicated to raising such pigs. Maremmano also is a breed of sheep and a breed of guard dog. Whew.
The website explains, in somewhat broken English: “Since the middle-age, on the routes that from the Maremma leaded to the inner part of Tuscany, the ‘Imposti’ have always symbolized for the travellers and traders a place of rest and refreshment, a place where they could change the horses and enjoy a hot meal and a glass of wine. One of these places was particularly important for its position in the middle of the way between Siena and Grosseto, so important that next to the traditional imposto, another one was built, denominated ‘Impostino’. During the centuries the needs changed, the old inn, fallen in deterioration, was turned into a pasture, while keeping its old name, and it stayed like that until the arrival of the actual owners who, amazed by the beautifulness of this land, decided to bring it back to its old splendour.”
Tenuta L’Impostino Montecucco Rosso Riserva DOC 2017 is assertive red, primarily sangiovese. You know you are drinking a rich, lusty Tuscan red. Held together by impressive acidity and an oak-and-cement regime with time on the lees for more flavor, and refined flavor, than you anticipate from a wine at this price point. Firm tannins welcome decanting, at least extended time and swirls in a large glass. Pair with rich beef dishes; meat stews; lamb; veal; cured meats; roasted poultry; comfort foods—pizza, meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs; burgers. Cheese—medium and hard cheeses; aged pecorino, parmesan, toscano, aged asiago; grana padano stravecchio, fontina, mozzarella, provolone. $11-13
Tenuta L’Impostino website with video tour
