The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Tuscany

DOCGStill huntingModerate

Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG

Montalcino's neighbor across the Orcia river, on volcanic and clay soils at higher altitude, with a strong organic movement. The wines are Sangiovese at 90% minimum, riper and softer than Brunello but with the same dried cherry, leather and Mediterranean herb profile, and priced at a third of the cost. Expect medium-full body, warm fruit, moderate acid and dusty tannin; the riservas from ColleMassari can age ten years.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Castello ColleMassari
Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva
Organic, well distributed, with ripe cherry, cocoa and soft tannin; the easiest bottle to find.
$25 to $32Wine-Searcher
Castello ColleMassari
Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Poggio Lombrone
Single-vineyard riserva from old vines, denser and darker with balsamic and tobacco notes, built for ten years.
$45 to $60Wine-Searcher
Podere Montale
Montecucco Sangiovese
Small organic estate reviewed in the US press; a lighter, fresher style with sour cherry and herbs.
$18 to $24Wine-Searcher