The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Tuscany

DOCStill huntingHard

Montescudaio DOC

IL PROGETTODOCMONTESCUDAIOAAIT53191704Denominazione di Origine Controllata

No strip issued. I'm still hunting a bottle.

Bolgheri's poorer inland cousin, with a similar Mediterranean climate and a rulebook that allows both traditional Sangiovese and international-grape blends. Reds are medium to full, with ripe cherry, blackcurrant when Cabernet is in the mix, sweet herbs and moderate tannin; the Riservas can be quite polished. Whites are fresh and saline. Two estates, Poggio Gagliardo and Sorbaiano, account for most of what leaves the zone.

Still hunting

I'm still looking for a bottle of this.

If you make Montescudaio, import it, or know who does, the form takes two minutes and I reply to every one.

Can you help me get one?

Bottles I'm chasing

  • Fattoria Poggio Gagliardo

    Montescudaio Rosso

    Entry-level Sangiovese and Cabernet blend; juicy cherry, a little green herb, soft tannin, made for weeknights.

    $15 to $20Wine-Searcher
  • Fattoria Poggio Gagliardo

    Montescudaio Rosso Riserva Malemacchie

    The estate's top red, Cabernet-led with Sangiovese, aged in barrique; cassis, cedar, plum, firmer grip, a Bolgheri look-alike at a lower price.

    $28 to $35Wine-Searcher
  • Fattoria Sorbaiano

    Montescudaio Rosso

    Long-established family estate; Sangiovese with Cabernet and Merlot, red cherry, tobacco and a dry, earthy finish.

    $18 to $24Wine-Searcher