2020 Monteraponi Toscana Rosso Baron' Ugo

The 2020 Monteraponi Toscana Rosso Baron'Ugo belongs to the absolute top of Chianti Classico and is regarded as one of the most refined expressions of Radda in Chianti. Sourced from the estate's highest plot and produced exclusively in the best years, Baron'Ugo combines impressive elegance with depth, tension, and exceptional aging potential. This is a wine that impressively expresses the essence of Monteraponi and the unique terroir of Radda.

Baron'Ugo: the highest plot of Monteraponi

Baron'Ugo comes from the vineyard of the same name, which towers above Monteraponi at an altitude of 570 meters. This is the highest plot of the estate and one of the most exceptional locations in Radda in Chianti. The combination of altitude, cool nights, and calcareous soils rich in Alberese and Galestro yields grapes of exceptional freshness, aromatic precision, and refinement.

The vineyard consists of vines over forty years old and is harvested and vinified separately. Baron'Ugo is produced only in the best vintages, making the wine one of the great cult wines of Tuscany.

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Classic blend from old vineyards

The 2020 Baron'Ugo consists of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, and 3% Colorino. This traditional Tuscan blend combines the refinement and tension of Sangiovese with the extra aromatic complexity of Canaiolo and the structure of Colorino.

Like all great wines from Monteraponi, Baron'Ugo is produced entirely traditionally. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in cement vats without temperature control and without the addition of selected yeasts. This is followed by a long skin maceration of 30 to 35 days with daily manual racking and pigeages.

After spontaneous malolactic fermentation, the wine ages for at least 36 months in large French and Slavonian oak barrels. Subsequently, the wine rests for another three months in cement tanks and at least six months in the bottle before release. The wine is neither filtered nor clarified.

The alcohol content is 13.5%.

Scent, taste and character

The 2020 Baron'Ugo presents a light ruby red color with subtle garnet reflections, an appearance reminiscent of great traditional wines from Piedmont or Burgundy rather than modern Tuscan powerhouses. Behind this refined color, however, lies a wine of impressive depth.

On the nose, aromas of red cherries, redcurrants, dried flowers, violets, and wild herbs unfold. As the wine opens up, notes of mint, white pepper, slate, graphite, and earthy nuances emerge, emphasizing the cool character of the high-altitude vineyard.

On the palate, the combination of elegance and energy is immediately striking. The wine possesses a remarkable freshness, supported by lively acidity typical of Radda in Chianti. The red fruit remains pure and transparent, while the mineral undertones remain constantly present.

The tannins are refined and perfectly integrated, yet at the same time provide sufficient structure for long-term aging. The wine has an almost ethereal lightness without ever becoming thin. It is precisely this combination of power, finesse, and tension that makes Baron'Ugo so special.

The finish is long, mineral, and refined, with persistent notes of red cherries, spices, flowers, and chalky tension that remain present for minutes.

One of the great wines of Radda in Chianti

Baron'Ugo is produced exclusively when the quality of the harvest is high enough to fully express the character of this exceptional vineyard. The combination of altitude, old vines, and highly traditional vinification yields a wine distinguished by precision and terroir expression.

Moreover, the 2020 vintage beautifully demonstrates why Monteraponi is currently regarded as one of the most respected producers of Chianti Classico. The wine possesses both the classic austerity of Radda and a striking refinement that makes it accessible to lovers of great European terroir wines.

Professional reviews

The international wine press has been among Baron'Ugo's greatest admirers for years.

Vinous: 94 points (Antonio Galloni)
Galloni describes the 2020 as a graceful and refined wine in which dried flowers, red cherries, mint, slate, and white pepper come together. According to him, the high-altitude vineyard clearly reveals itself in the elegant and almost ethereal character of the wine.

He also emphasizes that Monteraponi currently belongs to the absolute elite of Chianti Classico and praises the classic wine style with long aging in large wooden barrels.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

Thanks to its structure, acidity, and concentration, Baron'Ugo possesses excellent aging potential. The optimal drinking window runs from 2025 to 2040, with further development certainly remaining possible thereafter.

Preferably serve this wine at 16 to 18°C.

The wine pairs beautifully with bistecca alla Fiorentina, game dishes, roasted lamb, pappardelle with game ragù, truffle dishes, grilled mushrooms, and aged Tuscan cheeses. Its refinement also comes fully into its own with classic Italian dishes featuring herbs and slow-cooked meats.

Why buy the 2020 Monteraponi Baron'Ugo at Grandcruwijnen?

Baron'Ugo is one of the most sought-after wines from Monteraponi and is considered one of the references of Radda in Chianti. The combination of old high-altitude vineyards, traditional vinification, and exceptional terroir expression produces a wine that can rival the greatest Sangiovese wines of Italy.

For lovers of classic Tuscan wines with finesse, tension, and aging potential, Baron'Ugo is highly recommended.

At Grandcruwijnen, you will find a carefully selected assortment from the best Italian wineries. All wines are stored under optimal conditions and can be shipped or picked up at our store in Dordrecht.