Boscarelli Sotto Casa Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2021

Sotto Casa is a single vineyard sitting right beside the Boscarelli winery at Montepulciano in Tuscany, planted on stony soil rich in red clay of alluvial origin. This Riserva is led by Sangiovese, the local Prugnolo Gentile, with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Merlot. The stony red clay is central to the wine's character, the stones aiding drainage and ripeness while the clay holds water and builds a broad, structured mid-palate, giving a fuller and more powerful expression than a standard Vino Nobile. The warm days and cool nights of the Tuscan hills preserve acidity and freshness alongside the ripeness. The wine ages 28 months in oak barrels, a long Riserva élevage during which slow oxygen exchange through the staves polishes the firm Sangiovese tannins into a finer texture and layers in spice, tobacco and a savoury, leathery complexity. The colour is deep garnet. The nose is ripe cherry and plum with dark chocolate, sweet oak, tobacco and dried herbs. The palate is full and structured, the tannins firm but ripe, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted for an hour. Built for roast and braised red meats.