Tag Archives: rosso di montalcino

Mocali Rosso di Montalcino 2010

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Rosso di Montalcinos are a wonderful alternative to the prestigious and long-aging Brunellos. Rossos are ready to drink when released and over the next few years, and while they are less firmly structured and simpler then Brunellos, they can be an excellent value and just love to accompany a meal. Therefore I was rather excited when I happened upon the under $20 Mocali Rosso di Montalcino 2010 in one of my local wine shops.  Founded by the Ciacci family in the 1950’s, today the estate is headed by Tiziano Ciacci. Along with being one of the 25 Brunello di Montalcino Consortium members, he has also modernized the estate with better ageing capabilities and planted new vineyards that harmonize with nature; 6 hectares of vineyards and 4 hectares of olive groves are nestled amongst oak and pine forests. This bottling was produced from the younger Brunello vines and spent 11 months in large French barrels.

 

Transparent dark garnet with red-brick highlights, after decanting aromas of violets, red current and hints of kalmata olives curled up in the glass. Tart cherry and plum fruits were accompanied by silky green tea tannins in the medium body.  Earthy leather and tobacco elements with traces of slightly bitter almond comprised the moderate finish. Easy drinking, refined and balanced, this is a glass made for the table.

 

100% Sangiovese

Montalcino
Italy
Estate Bottled by AZ. AGR. Mocali, Montalcino
13.5% Alcohol
$16
Enjoy now thru 2015

*Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator

Agostina Pieri Rosso Di Montalcino 2009

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After a lovely afternoon of touring my sister’s gardens and home improvements, the four of us headed out to Vico, a restaurant down the road from her in Hudson with a modern Tuscan menu. After enjoying Rosés through the course of the day, we were craving a rich, yet not too heavy red. To accompany our table insalata and various dinners [I enjoyed striped cheese ravioli in a toasted pine nut and sage butter], I selected Agostina Pieri Rosso Di Montalcino 2009.

Established in 1991, Castelnuovo dell’Abate is an 18 acre estate headed by owner Agostina Pieri and winemaker Francesco Monaci. Pieri produces his Rossos in the same manner he does his Brunellos; the aging regime includes both Slavonian and French oak barriques, and no fining or filtration is used. Obsessed with the quality of his wines, Pieri has the honor of being the only producer to ever be awarded the Gambero Rosso’s prestigious Tre Bicchieri score for a Rosso di Montalcino.

Red-violet with brick highlights in colour, rich aroma of cherry, resin and pipe tobacco swirled about in the glass. Rich cherry and plum flavours were infused with hints of citrus and traces of smoky anise in the medium body. Spicy black pepper, toasty oak and sweet vanilla elements embraced a rustic earthiness in the lengthy finish. Well-balanced and easy drinking, this is an inspiring glass for the table.

100% Sangiovese
Tuscany
Italy
Produced and Bottled by AZ. AGR. Pieri Agostina, Montalcino
15% alcohol
$24 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2017

*Rated 91 points by the Wine Advocate