2021 Castello Romitorio Colto Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany

Juicy on the nose, it reveals hints of strawberries and wild strawberries, rose hips, goji berries, and wild currants. In the background, red flowers, rose petals, face powder, lemon zest, and pomegranate seeds. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with silky tannins and a vibrant, juicy, and savory finish.

93 points winescritic.com

Castello Romitorio Colto Rosso di Montalcino is a wonderfully expressive Sangiovese crafted by the visionary artist-turned-winemaker Sandro Chia and his team, who have dedicated decades to reviving the ancient Romitorio estate in the wild hills of northwest Montalcino. The vineyards sit high on rocky galestro and clay, surrounded by untouched forest that shapes a cooler microclimate and produces wines with perfume, tension and vibrant red fruit. Meticulous hand picking, gentle extraction and maturation in large oak casks preserve purity and elegance, presenting Sangiovese in a more youthful and approachable frame than its Brunello sibling while clearly carrying the estate’s refined DNA.

Red cherry, wild strawberry and blood orange rise from the glass with an inviting floral lift of violet and rose. Beneath the brightness lie hints of Mediterranean herbs, subtle spice and the earthy mineral signature of the hills around Romitorio. With air, notes of sour plum, sweet tobacco and a whisper of balsamic depth add quiet complexity.

The wine glides across the palate with juicy red fruit and fine, chalk dust tannins that feel both refreshing and savoury. Flavours of cherry skin, cranberry, pomegranate and spice unfold with lively acidity driving a long, clean finish touched by forest floor and warm terracotta. It is deliciously drinkable now yet will develop added nuance over five to seven years.

Perfect alongside wood fired pizza, tomato and herb pasta, porchetta, grilled lamb, Tuscan sausage or Pecorino Toscano. This is modern Rosso di Montalcino at its best: bright, polished and full of place.