2022 Costanti Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany

Costanti Rosso di Montalcino is a beautifully poised and deeply expressive Sangiovese from one of Montalcino’s most respected estates. Often described as a “baby Brunello,” this wine is made with the same meticulous vineyard and cellar practices as Costanti’s Brunello di Montalcino, but aged for a shorter time to offer earlier accessibility and an elegantly vibrant character.

The grapes are sourced from high-altitude vineyards just outside the hilltop town of Montalcino, planted on galestro and marl soils that bring finesse, freshness and aromatic lift to the wine. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, followed by ageing in a mix of medium-sized Slavonian and French oak casks for about 12 months.

The nose is pure and fragrant, with notes of sour cherry, crushed raspberry, rose petal, cedar and a touch of orange peel. On the palate, it is medium bodied and finely structured, showing bright red fruit, savoury herbs, a dusting of spice and a firm core of acidity. The tannins are fine yet persistent, giving the wine precision and drive, with a long, mineral finish that speaks clearly of its elevated site.

Food pairing: excellent with wild boar ragù, porcini risotto, roast lamb, grilled sausages or aged pecorino. Also delicious with tomato-based pasta dishes or Tuscan-style white bean stew.

Cellar potential: drinking beautifully now with a short decant, but will develop gracefully over the next 6 to 8 years, gaining depth and a touch of earthy complexity.