Chiusa Grossa - Rosso di Montalcino 2018
Chiusa Grossa is a small estate in Montalcino, located on the southern slope of the appellation, along the Sesta road between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate. The property takes its name from a local toponym and works two vineyard sectors particularly representative of this southern part of Montalcino. The Chiusa Grossa vineyard is located near Sant’Angelo in Colle, in an environment of holm oaks, undergrowth, and arenaceous soils. The Sant’Eugenio vineyard, close to Castelnuovo dell’Abate and the Sant’Antimo abbey, rests on more clay-sandy soils, with the significant influence of Monte Amiata on the microclimate. The cellar, built in 2017, reflects the artisanal dimension of the project, with a deliberately limited production. This Rosso di Montalcino 2018 embodies this confidential approach, attentive to the territory and raw material. It offers a sincere and classic expression of Montalcino Sangiovese, in a style that is both structured, generous, and already evolved.
The Rosso di Montalcino 2018 cuvée is made exclusively from Sangiovese, the emblematic grape variety of Montalcino and the common base for both Rosso and Brunello. The grapes come from vineyards located around 400 meters altitude, on the southern slope of the appellation, where sunlight favors complete ripening while preserving beautiful energy. The soils mix an arenaceous component with tuff and red earth on the Sant’Angelo in Colle side, as well as a clayey and stony dominance in the Sant’Eugenio sector. The harvest is done by hand, with careful selection of grapes directly in the vineyard. After destemming, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, with indigenous yeasts and maceration of about two to three weeks depending on the vintage balance. Malolactic fermentation is conducted in stainless steel before aging for 12 months in 500-liter French oak barrels. This vinification produces a Rosso di Montalcino more serious than a simple fruit wine, with true depth and a well-established structure.
In the glass, Chiusa Grossa Rosso di Montalcino 2018 reveals an evolved ruby robe, still bright, with slightly garnet reflections. The nose evokes ripe cherry, morello cherry, red plum, and small black fruits, accompanied by nuances of tobacco, sweet spices, fine leather, and undergrowth. The palate is ample and structured, with present but softened tannins by a few years of evolution. The Sangiovese retains its natural freshness, bringing liveliness to a warm and flavorful matter. The finish extends the wine on notes of ripe red fruits, dry herbs, noble wood, and Tuscan earth. This Rosso di Montalcino will ideally accompany a herb-crusted veal chop, a Tuscan ragù, pappardelle with wild boar, grilled meat, roasted lamb, or aged pecorino. Serve around 16 to 18°C, after a short aeration, to allow its ripe fruit and evolutionary nuances to open up.
Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese
