Italy — wine

Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG

Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG sits at the foot of Monte Amiata in southern Tuscany, south of Montalcino and west of the Maremma coastline. The region benefits from the extinct volcano's influence on soil mineralogy and diurnal temperature variation, producing Sangiovese wines of notable freshness and aromatic intensity at a fraction of the price of their Montalcino neighbours. The DOCG designation was awarded in 2011 specifically for Sangiovese-dominant red wines, requiring at least ninety percent Sangiovese and a minimum of two years ageing including one in oak. The area's relative obscurity makes it one of Tuscany's best value propositions for serious Sangiovese lovers.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Warm, sun-drenched summer; opulent, generous Sangiovese with excellent structure from Monte Amiata altitude.
2021 Balanced season; aromatic, precise Sangiovese with good natural acidity. Well-received by critics.
2020 Rich, full-bodied vintage; dense colour, concentrated fruit and firm tannins. Requires some cellaring.
2019 Classic Tuscan vintage; wines of good balance and genuine minerality. Accessible earlier than 2020.
2018 Variable season; well-made wines without particular distinction.