Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte Morellino di Scansano

Ghiaccio Forte is owned by Castello di Romitorio, one of the elite estates of Brunello di Montalcino, and this Morellino di Scansano shows a different, wonderfully expressive side of Sangiovese. From the coastal Maremma of southwestern Tuscany, it delivers a pure, aromatic expression of the grape, with a glistening pale ruby color and beautiful freshness. The 25-year-old vines are planted with clones sourced from three legendary estates: Montevertine, Biondi-Santi, and Il Poggione.

Fermented entirely in stainless steel with no oak whatsoever, this is Sangiovese in a particularly transparent and unadulterated form. Cool red fruit, rose petal, dried herbs, tobacco, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of volcanic ash unfold in the glass. While not as big or structured as Brunello, it has serious depth and finesse, with an aromatic lift that makes it utterly compelling. A beautiful reminder that great Sangiovese comes in many forms.