MONTEVERTINE, Radda in Chianti
Pure, peerless Sangiovese
“Sometimes I fall in love with a producer from the moment I first taste his wine. But really, if you can sense a purity, a commitment, and of course deliciousness and complexity, why hold back? I had this experience with Montevertine, a Tuscan producer that year after year demonstrates a profound respect and understanding for the sangiovese grape. If you’ve never understood what sangiovese was all about, try one of these wines and I think you may fall in love yourself.” –Eric Asimov, NYTimes

“Readers looking for delicate, perfumed Sangiovese and Sangiovese-based wines need look no further than Montevertine. The estate is located in Radda, one of the cooler, fresher micro-climates in Tuscany. The wines have always required bottle age to develop, yet these are wines that showcase an aromatic side of Sangiovese that shares much in common with Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, rather than the more overt fruit-driven wines that are made elsewhere.” — Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Sergio Manetti of Montevertine is legendary, as is his rebellion against the Chianti consortium’s attempts to cater to market forces, putting the very identity of Chianti and Sangiovese at risk. Since Sergio’s passing, his son has carried on the torch of the Montevertine tradition; these spectacular, pure, peerless wines of Chianti will never bear that designation.

2004 MONTEVERTINE “Le Pergole Torte” Toscana IGT $110.00 Three Glasses winner; 94 pts.
Single-vineyard Sangiovese. “The 2004 Le Pergole Torte (100% Sangioveto) is a special wine. Beautiful dark cherry, spice, mineral and menthol nuances emerge from its layered, beautiful frame. It shows outstanding depth buttressed by finessed, silky tannins in a classic, medium-bodied style. Today the wine remains very primary. The full breadth of its expression will come only with extended cellaring. Readers seeking instant gratification or who want to be blown away by sheer concentration will likely find more pleasure in other wines from this great vintage. Those who are willing to invest the time to appreciate this wine’s elegance, finesse and textural beauty will be amply rewarded with a superb bottle of wine. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 94 pts.

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