Tenuta Fanti Montalcino, Sassomagno Sant'Antimo 2021

Tenuta Fanti is a historic estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, with winemaking roots dating back to the early 19th century. The Fanti family has cultivated vineyards for over 200 years, and today, Filippo Fanti leads the winery, focusing on sustainable practices and expressing the unique terroir of Montalcino. While best known for its Brunello, Tenuta Fanti also produces outstanding wines under the Sant’Antimo DOC, a designation that allows for greater flexibility in blending and winemaking styles. The Sassomagno Sant’Antimo 2021 is a bold and expressive red that highlights the richness of Tuscany’s native and international grape varieties.

The vineyards are located on the sun-drenched slopes of southern Montalcino, where clay and limestone soils contribute to both power and elegance in the wine. The 2021 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season, producing grapes with excellent ripeness and concentration. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, adding structure and complexity while allowing the fruit to shine.

Appearance: Deep ruby red with a vibrant purple hue at the rim, showcasing its youthful intensity. The wine’s clarity and thick, slow-moving legs suggest richness and depth.

Aroma: Ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry dominate the nose, layered with notes of violet, sweet spice, and a touch of dark chocolate. Subtle hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and a delicate balsamic edge add complexity.

Taste: Bold and fruit-forward, with juicy black fruits balanced by savoury undertones of dried herbs and earthy spice. The tannins are firm yet velvety, providing structure without overpowering the palate. Well-integrated oak adds a touch of smokiness, while the bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and dynamic.

Finish: Long and polished, with lingering notes of blackcurrant, cocoa, and a hint of espresso. The fruit fades gradually, leaving behind a refined balance of spice and minerality.

Food pairing:
Grilled Florentine-style T-bone steak – The wine’s tannic structure stands up beautifully to the richness of the steak, while its acidity cuts through the marbling, enhancing the overall balance of the pairing.

Aged pecorino cheese with fig jam – The wine’s dark fruit and spice contrast with the saltiness of the pecorino, while the jam’s sweetness enhances its rich, velvety finish.