2017 Sassetti Livio Pertimali La Querciolina Montecucco Sangiovese

The Livio Sassetti family has been producing wine in the Italian region of Montalcino for over three generations. The Podere Pertimali and its 16 hectares of vineyards are located in the Montosoli region, north of Montalcino, a particularly well-known area for the cultivation of Sangiovese. True to the teachings of his family, Livio has over time renewed and expanded the vineyards, preserving the genetic legacy of the old vines.

The Sassetti Livio Pertimali La Querciolina Montecucco is a wine made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso della Maremma. The wine is harvested by hand at the end of September. The grapes are gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28° - 29°C; maceration for 10-15 days. 6-9 months in 33hl Slavonian oak barrels and 6 months of bottle refinement.

Can we call this baby Brunello - sure because it has all the similarities except that it's more accessible and less 'jammy'. In the glass, the Querciolina Montecucco is ruby red with purple accents. The bouquet is dark and earthy in the best possible way, as savory spices give way to crushed black cherries, enveloped in an air of smoky minerals, undergrowth and hints of animal musk. With a little more oxygen we smell fresh aromas of blackberries, plums, herbs and liquorice. In the mouth it is well structured and complex with firm and soft tannins. It ends brimming with energy as a blend of savory spice and minerality slowly tapers off. This is beautiful and great value for money.