Montevertine
Il Sodaccio Di Monte Vertine Toscano Sangioveto Canaiolo
Tuscany, Italy
This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song.
From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years.
This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song.
From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years.
A really beautiful wine in a great place. Probably starting its decline, slightly hinting at decreased vigor. Very floral, balanced and fruity. It avoids the mushroom notes that seem to dominate too many aged Sangioveses.
A really beautiful wine in a great place. Probably starting its decline, slightly hinting at decreased vigor. Very floral, balanced and fruity. It avoids the mushroom notes that seem to dominate too many aged Sangioveses.
Apr 21st, 2017
Peaking. Good energy for '97. Gained sweetness with air. After an hour open the warmth of the vintage really starts to show.
Peaking. Good energy for '97. Gained sweetness with air. After an hour open the warmth of the vintage really starts to show.
Dec 25th, 2015
Like a beautiful barnyard floor: water - Manchester - stylish opaque mud. A great long punch of filth and class; brambles, dirt, and a kick of vanilla; like a touch of angelic sympathy on a day of solace. Coravined at Territoriet, Oslo.
Like a beautiful barnyard floor: water - Manchester - stylish opaque mud. A great long punch of filth and class; brambles, dirt, and a kick of vanilla; like a touch of angelic sympathy on a day of solace. Coravined at Territoriet, Oslo.
Aug 18th, 2015
Lunch wine. Bloody brilliant.
Lunch wine. Bloody brilliant.
Jul 1st, 2015
A taste treat from one of my favorite wineries in the world!
A taste treat from one of my favorite wineries in the world!
Apr 26th, 2015Beats the heat. So fresh and crystalline.
Beats the heat. So fresh and crystalline.
Aug 17th, 2014Amazing nose cigar box and forest floor. resolved tannins and strong tertiary flavors of dried red fruit and tobacco. Maybe a year or two over the peak. Good wine with great friends.
Amazing nose cigar box and forest floor. resolved tannins and strong tertiary flavors of dried red fruit and tobacco. Maybe a year or two over the peak. Good wine with great friends.
Aug 18th, 2018
I had no idea Chianti could be this good.
I had no idea Chianti could be this good.
Apr 23rd, 2017