Description
Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo 2020
Varietal: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Colorino
The story of the legendary Montevertine estate in Radda-in-Chianti begins in 1967, when Milanese industrialist Sergio Manetti purchased the property and immediately planted two hectares of vines. Assisted by his close childhood friend Giulio Gambelli and a local named Bruno Bini (who was born on the property), Manetti produced his first vintage in 1971, with the humble intention of making wine to share with his family and friends. It turns out the trio had a real knack for their craft, and word swiftly spread in the area about the quality of wine Montevertine was creating from their excellently situated high-altitude vineyards. Manetti and Gambelli were ardent proponents of Sangiovese from the outset, and strongly opposed the appellation requirement that Chianti Classico include a portion of Trebbiano—a requirement they felt compromised the expression of place, particularly in such a refined terroir as Radda. When regulations later changed to allow Chianti Classico to be Trebbiano-free, Montevertine had long since abandoned the designation, and the wines have been classified as “Rosso di Toscana” since 1981—although, ironically, they are (and always have been) among the most visceral expressions of Chianti Classico in existence.
Composed of Sangiovese with tiny amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino blended in, this is the basic red wine of the estate. It sees 18 months of aging in large barrels. The 1.5 hectare vineyard parcel was re-planted in 2003; the vineyards face east – northeast which produces a long growing season resulting in the complete maturation of the grapes and exceptional balance to this wine which reflects the classic Montevertine style marked by elegance and complexity.
