SOLD OUT -- What is a Rosso di Montalcino? This DOC was created in 1984, and the idea was to create a fresher and more ready-to-drink style of wine that needed less ageing time than its grander sibling. Today, smart wine buyers know that Rossos from top estates offer up Brunello-like aromas and flavors with less tannin and structure. They also enable producers of Brunello to market more approachable wines while waiting for their top-tier DOCG wines to age.
Up first, Tornesi's Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous, radiant, and pure Sangiovese that I absolutely love. You will too! One of the oldest estates in the DOCG, Maurizio Tornesi runs this certified organic winery with a ton of passion and respect for the land and the traditions of the region.
1. 2021 Tornesi Rosso Di Montalcino
The essence of Sangiovese in a glass!
Tornesi's neighbor Biondi-Santi is one of the elite wineries of the DOCG, but their wines are gonna' run you $150-$200+. The two estates are very friendly with one another, and Paolo Vagaggini, lead oenologist at Biondi-Santi, also makes the wines at Tornesi. Paolo's winemaking style is uber-traditional -- native yeast fermentations, neutral oak, and minimal fining and filtration.
His talents combined with Tornesi's primely placed vines are on full display in this beautiful red wine. Violet, red berry, and dark spice aromas lead into a lithe and smooth palate that offers up loads of ripe cherry, blood orange, herb, and cured meat. Medium-bodied, and oh-so-satisfying, it's one of the great Rosso di Montalcinos produced in Tuscany.
Also in fine form, Caprili's Rosso has been a longtime customer and staff favorite. Like Tornesi, the Caprili estate is one of the oldest in the region. Founded in 1965, there were less than 20 wineries in the region. Today, there are over 200! With organic vineyards in the warmer, southwestern part of the zone, their Rosso is always ripe, plump, and pleasure-bent.
2. 2022 Caprili Rosso di Montalcino
Baby Brunello from one of the oldest and most respected estates in the region!
I drink this wine quite often, and I'm always amazed that it sells for such a low price. These warmer vineyards give us a wine that is a bit darker-fruited and fuller-bodied than Tornesi's Rosso. Not better or worse, just different. Fermented in tank and aged in neutral oak for 8 months, this is very easy to like.
A beautiful "Parfum de Tuscany" arises out of the glass of this one. Eucalyptus, dark cherry, spice plum, and roasted herbs all come roaring out of the glass. Firm and structured on the palate, this loves hearty meals involving meat and red sauce. For those who don't mind a bit of tannin, you'll find this perfectly palatable with or without food.
One last reminder, to get the 20% discount, you've got to buy 3 bottles of each of the wines. It's a great deal, and it will further your appreciation of Tuscan Sangiovese. Just do it!
Before I let you go, I wanted to let you know we're also running a great deal on the Brunellos from both of the wineries. Click HERE to check those out!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville