2015 Rosso di Montalcino, Cerbaiona, Tuscany, Italy

A black grape widely grown in Central Italy and the main component of Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as well as being the sole permitted grape for the famed Brunello di Montalcino.

Rosso di Montalcino, a red wine from Tuscany's Montalcino region, is a youthful counterpart to the more reputable Brunello di Montalcino. Made from Sangiovese grapes with a shorter ageing process, it offers approachable fruitiness, vibrant red fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and a medium body, capturing Montalcino's essence without extended ageing demands.

In 2015 the tiny property of Cerbaiona, tucked away off the Torronieri road southeast of Montalcino changed hands. Since 1977, owner Diego Molinari had built up the property from scratch, planting three hectares of vines on east-facing historic vineyards at an altitude of 350 metres above sea level. Whole-heartedly embracing an artisan, hands-off artistic approach he brought the estate to cult status, recognised for wines capable of reaching extraordinary heights.