2023 ColleMassari Montecucco Rigoleto Rosso, Tuscany

Shimmering ruby red colour with subtle brightening on the rim. Blackberry, cherry and fresh thyme on the nose. Juicy and fresh on the palate, fruit-orientated, harmonious structure, medium length.

90 points Falstaff

The nose has the fresh, earthy feel of tart blackberries, top soil and herbs. The palate is consistent, with tart, snappy black cherries joining the blackberries, but also keeps you on your toes with a hot, peppery finish. Tannins are structured, but chalky enough to tone down the heat. 

91 points Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast

ColleMassari is one of the leading estates of Montecucco, the wild and wonderfully unspoilt Tuscan territory lying between Montalcino and the Maremma coast. Founded by Claudio Tipa and his family, the organically farmed estate sits on the slopes of Monte Amiata, where altitude, Mediterranean breezes and mineral-rich soils give Sangiovese both ripeness and freshness. Rigoleto is the estate’s deliciously accessible red — unmistakably Tuscan, but without demanding a special occasion.

Montecucco’s position is its secret weapon. Warm sunshine brings generous fruit, while elevation and cooling air from Monte Amiata preserve acidity and aromatic lift. The 2023 Rigoleto captures that balance beautifully, combining juicy Sangiovese character with darker fruit, savoury herbs and enough structure to make it much more interesting than a simple everyday red.

Bright ruby with crimson edges, the nose opens with sour cherry, red plum and wild strawberry alongside violet, dried oregano and a little orange peel. With air come hints of tobacco leaf, black pepper and warm Tuscan earth. The palate is juicy and energetic, with bright red fruit carried by lively acidity and gently rustic tannins. Cherry skin, herbs and earthy spice run through the middle before a fresh, savoury finish that immediately suggests another glass.

This is exactly what you want beside a bowl of pappardelle with pork and fennel ragù, wood-fired pizza with spicy salami, grilled Italian sausages, eggplant parmigiana or a gloriously messy meatball sub. 

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.