Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Rosso di Montalcino ‘Rossofonte’ DOC

The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Rosso di Montalcino ‘Rossofonte’ DOC is one of my favourite wines, year on year, from this much sought after Tuscan producer. They make a lower priced Rosso di Montalcino, which is supremely tasty, but this is their star wine of the two. It adds a bit on to the price but is a true case of getting what you pay for. The ‘Rosso’, in the name, refers to the ‘red field’, iron rich soils and the ‘Fonte’ single vineyard. This wine is produced from 100%, manually harvested and selected, Sangiovese Grosso grapes and is 100% declassified Brunello. It basically undergoes the same labour of love along the whole process as their top Brunello but spends less time in oak. In this case a year in Slovenian oak barrels and at least 8 months in bottle before release. This makes it so much more approachable in its youth over their top Brunellos. (It also comes in at around half the price.) Unlike most Brunellos which are really deep and rich this is more like a Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo alternative. Much lighter in colour and exhibiting a slight brick red tinge to the colour which denotes age. One for those who don’t want to wait around for 10 years for their wine to age. Like it’s more grandiose siblings it is packed full of a whole host of flavours and aromas. Think black and red cherry, strawberry, cedar, liquorice, spice, cocoa, silky tannins and a minerally acidity that knits the whole thing together perfectly. Add to this the fact that they are practising Organic and you have an absolute belter on your hands. One of the very finest Rosso di Montalcinos you can lay your hands on. The only down side is they don’t make very much of this single vineyard wine and it tops out at only around 5000 bottles, maximum, a year. That’s not very much to go around so grab some whilst you can.