The Montecucco Sangiovese represents a sophisticated expression of the noble Sangiovese grape, a combination of concentration and structure with elegance, resulting in a harmonious balance. On the nose, perfumes of spice and ripe fruit dominate while the mouth is rich and silky with melted tannins and hints of vanilla.
The 2020 Montecucco Sangiovese 8Ettari is fruit-forward, with a burst of crushed blackberries and cherries, a whiff of dark chocolate and autumnal spice. It is sleek, with silken textures and ripe red and blue fruit that envelop the senses, all offset by a core of vibrant acidity. A twang of citrus adds lift as nuanced tannins and hints of licorice fade.
The nose has a savory, slightly tangy feel, thanks to aromas of sea-weed, salt, coffee, tahini, and black plum. On the palate, blackberries blow wind into the sails of the plum element, above a strong foundation built by the nutty, salty, rich umami of the nose. Confident and a little off-beat, like an unexpectedly good cover band.
This has savory tart cherries, dried herbs and hints of cocoa and wet soil on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is lively and agile, with spiced, well-integrated tannins and energetic, juicy fruit in the middle. Nothing too complex, but bright, brisk and very attractive to drink.
The nose ping pongs between sweet vanilla and sour cherries, with plenty of nuance coming from undertones of rose petals, warm tea with a slice of lemon and a piece of chocolate. An enduring live wire of acid runs through a palate of sweet and tart cherries and blackberries, with notes of dark chocolate and espresso providing an anchor.
Inviting notes of stone fruit, dried roses, with subtle balsamic undertones; compact structure, robust and well-integrated tannins, and ripe cherry aromas in the finish. Stands out with its character.
We are in Maremma, to be precise in Montenero d’Orcia, a small strip of land with a crystalline wine-growing vocation, recent disovered but already established and with assured potential. This is the place where a sort of ideal twinning between Italy and Germany takes place. Cousins, Manfred and Andreas Kunert, and their wives, Andrea and Corina, Gianni Bartolommei e Jacopo Vagaggini share a unified vision: to make the most of the territory's vocation and passion to get to bottle unique products, with the supreme cult of Sangiovese at the center, which responds to the DOCG Montecucco. This is where the Otto Ettari winery was born. Of all their wines, I have appreciated the Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG 2017 in particular; a wine of great elegance, with a nose of red plum, closed by a beautiful spice of officinal herbs, bay leaves above all, a mouth with iodized tannins and a savory and deep finish, with a fruity and pepper leaf return.
Sweet cherry in the scent with subtle floral and herbal notes, some white pepper. On the palate full of juicy elegance, delicately underlaid, fresh tannins, a picture book Sangiovese that emphasizes the classic properties of the variety: culinary unobtrusiveness and aromatic spice.
Plump cherry on the nose, still youthful. Dense on the pallet with firm, but also ripe and juicy tannins, with strong mineral notes, bright acidity. Despite its density and strength, it does not appear massive. Great length, and excellent potential for 4-8 years.
This is a pure Sangiovese, coming from the best locations within the vineyard. The extended refining period allows for the evolution of this exceptional fruit, presenting a fascinating deep, dark and intense wine that literally explodes with perfumes of black fruits and spice. In the mouth it is full and concentrated with refreshing acidity and soft tannins, a wine that will continue its stunning evolution in bottle to last for many years ahead.
The nose has the warm, welcoming aura of Bing cherries, vanilla, spices and old leather. Vanilla and berries lead off the palate, while sweet citrus and mocha finish it off. Tannins are still nothing to mess around with, even with some age.
Fresh pomegranate seeds, fresh figs, peonies, graphite and dark chocolate on the nose lead into a spicier, earthier palate where the tannins are sleek and relaxing, but also solid and contoured. The finish is full of pepper, heat and acid–a well-integrated, satisfying wine.
The 2019 Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva 8Ettari wafts up with a sweetly satisfying bouquet of dusty rose, wild strawberries and sage. It's texturally deep, silken and supple, with ripe wild berry fruits and a cascade of confectionary spice. A bump of residual acidity maintains fantastic freshness as the 2019 tapers off with a pleasant bitter tinge, leaving hints of tart blackberry.
Subtle wood spices, chocolate, wild herbs, sage and menthol. Dried orange peel. Powerful tannin, massive palate, fine acid thread that gains concentration over the course of the palate, substantial finish. Not a soloist, absolutely needs food!
A fresh, modern, fruity blend of traditional Tuscan varieties (Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino) with Cabernet Franc. Ruby red with bright garnet reflections, the Principio is fruity and spicy, yet soft and round on the palate, with aromas of red berries, orange peel, spice and a hint of vanilla. This “little Sangiovese” is a wine to drink now with its lively freshness and minerality, but also has potential for aging (about 10 years).
Ripe dark berries, plums, dark chocolate and hints of licorice on the nose. The medium-bodied palate shows tension and firmness, juicy fruit, flavors of cooked cherries and leather and a slightly short finish. Drink now or hold.
