Lorenzo de Monaco runs this pristine estate in the Medieval hilltop town of Collazzone, in the heart of Umbria. This area is home to the recently-awarded DOC of Rosso di Todi, and it is in this specific part of Umbria that Sangiovese does some very special things.
To this palate, De Monaco's Rosso di Todi is Brunello-like in terms of style, poise, and grace, and it's a wine that is "about to get found" beyond your little South Asheville wine shop. Trust me, it's got that indescribable quality that all world-class Italian reds possess. Heavenly aromatics, pure and flavor-packed on the palate, long and satisfying finish, what else do you want?
Me, not much more :) I just wish more than 250 cases were made. 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino, and 10% Malvasia Nera brought up in a mixture of tank in neutral oak, it's 95-96 points in my book.
- Because you trust me, and I'm telling you this is what world-class Sangiovese tastes like. De Monaco is obviously a grower with something to prove. I anticipate prices for this wine to up dramatically in future vintages.
- It shows Sangiovese's "darker" side, a la Brunello. Definitely dark-fruited, with loads of blackberry, blueberry, and dark raspberry, this dark fruit is made more complex by notes of eucalyptus, sage, violet, leather, and dark chocolate.
- It has multifaceted beauty combined with power and structure. While it's certainly ripe and pleasure-bent, it's got some serious cellar potential too. Drink now (with an hour-long decant) through 2030 with big meals. Think roasted, braised, or grilled meats, mushrooms, full-flavored cheeses, and such.
- We bought every bottle our distributor had! Feel free to shop around, but I don't think you'll find it anywhere else in town. Even online, there are a couple of shops that list it for $29, but when you click on the link, they don't have it....clickbait :)
