Cortonesi 'La Mannella' Rosso di Montalcino 2021

Cortonesi, a family-owned estate located in Montalcino, is well known for producing expressive wines that reflect the unique terroir of this famed region. Their ‘La Mannella’ Rosso di Montalcino 2021 is often considered a younger sibling to their prestigious Brunello, crafted from the same Sangiovese grapes but designed for earlier drinking. Sourced from the same prime vineyards, the Rosso di Montalcino offers a fresh and vibrant expression of Sangiovese, emphasizing bright fruit, elegant structure, and a more approachable style. The 2021 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, resulting in wines of excellent clarity and freshness.

Appearance: Bright ruby red with hints of garnet, displaying youthful vibrancy and a clear intensity.

Aroma: The nose opens with lively aromas of red cherry, wild raspberry, and strawberry, intertwined with floral notes of violet and dried rose petals. There are subtle earthy undertones of fresh herbs, cedar, and a touch of spice, giving the wine added complexity and depth despite its approachable nature.

Taste: Medium-bodied and fresh, with a core of ripe red fruit like cherry, red currant, and cranberry balanced by savoury notes of dried herbs, leather, and a touch of tobacco. The tannins are fine and smooth, giving the wine a soft, approachable structure. A vibrant acidity keeps the palate bright and energetic, lifting the fruit and providing a clean, refreshing finish. The oak influence is subtle, adding just a hint of spice without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.

Finish: Medium-length with lingering red fruit, dried herbs, and a gentle minerality. The wine’s fresh acidity and balanced tannins leave a smooth, refined finish, making it ideal for drinking now, though it has the structure to age gracefully for a few more years.

Food Pairing: This versatile Rosso di Montalcino pairs beautifully with pasta Bolognese or grilled pork chops with rosemary, where the wine’s bright acidity and red fruit complement the richness of the dish. It would also be a great match for pizza Margherita or roast chicken with herbs, with the wine’s fresh, savoury notes enhancing the simplicity and flavours of these classic dishes.