Le Ragnaie Casanovina Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino 2021

Le Ragnaie farms three distinct terroirs across its Montalcino estate, and Casanovina Montosoli comes from the celebrated Montosoli hill on the northern side of the zone, a site long regarded as one of the finest in the appellation. Made from one hundred per cent organically farmed Sangiovese, as DOCG Brunello di Montalcino requires, it reflects winemaker Riccardo Campinoti's reading of each plot. The Montosoli slope combines galestro and limestone-rich soils with good elevation, so the vines drain well and the cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail while the days ripen the fruit fully. Sangiovese here gives firm tannin, bright cherry and plum, and a savoury, earthy core. Long ageing in large Slavonian oak casks softens the tannins slowly through measured oxygen exchange, adding subtle spice and a leathery, tobacco-edged complexity without overt oak flavour. The wine pours a deep garnet, with a nose of cherry, plum and dried herbs, and a palate that is structured and savoury, carrying earth, leather and tobacco over a long, firm finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. It suits roast beef, lamb and mushroom dishes.