2023 Voliero Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany

A smoky and ambitious wine, like a baby Brunello. It shows aromas of smoke, woodland, fresh violets, dried cherries and licorice. Firm, chewy tannins on the palate, with crisp acidity and a medium to full body. Warming yet balanced at the end. Drink or hold.

92 points jamessuckling.com

Voliero Rosso di Montalcino is a refined, modern expression of Sangiovese that brings serious pedigree with a more approachable, contemporary feel. Voliero is a label created by Andrea Cortonesi of Uccelliera, one of Montalcino’s most highly regarded estates. Andrea is both owner and winemaker, a deeply hands on vigneron who built Uccelliera from the ground up after purchasing land on Montalcino’s northern slopes in the mid nineteen eighties. His philosophy has always centred on purity of fruit, precision farming and minimal intervention, allowing Sangiovese to speak clearly of place. Voliero draws from selected vineyards around Montalcino, often younger vines and parcels outside the strict Brunello selection, but made with the same discipline and care as his flagship wines.

The vineyards sit on galestro rich soils with good elevation and airflow, producing fruit with freshness, perfume and fine tannic structure. Fermentation is gentle and traditional, followed by ageing in oak that favours large format and neutral barrels to preserve varietal clarity rather than impose oak sweetness. The result is a Rosso that feels authentic and serious, yet immediately enjoyable, offering a clear window into Andrea Cortonesi’s style and the soul of Montalcino.

Aromatically it is lifted and inviting. Red cherry, wild strawberry and sour plum form the core, layered with violet, dried rose and a subtle hint of blood orange. Savoury undertones of Tuscan herbs, warm earth and a touch of balsamic emerge with air, adding depth without heaviness. There is a quiet elegance to the nose that speaks of careful farming and restrained winemaking.

The palate is vibrant and beautifully balanced. Juicy red fruits flow through fine, chalky tannins that give shape and grip without firmness. Flavours of cherry skin, cranberry and pomegranate are driven by fresh acidity, creating energy and length. The finish is clean, savoury and persistent, with gentle spice and mineral notes lingering long after the glass is set down. It is delicious now but will reward short term cellaring over five to eight years, developing added earth, leather and truffle complexity.

An ideal partner for pasta with tomato and herbs, roast chicken, grilled lamb, porcini risotto, cured meats or Pecorino. Voliero Rosso di Montalcino is a beautifully judged wine from one of the region’s finest winemakers, offering authenticity, balance and exceptional value for its pedigree.