Monteraponi Chianti Classico 2022

Monteraponi is a historic estate in the high Chianti Classico hills of Tuscany, named for its medieval tower and farmed organically across forest, olive groves and vineyards. The wine is Sangiovese with a little Canaiolo, the traditional Tuscan partner that softens Sangiovese's firm structure and adds aromatic lift. The estate's elevation is the defining terroir factor: cool nights and a longer growing season preserve the high natural acidity and bright red fruit that mark mountain Chianti, while the galestro and limestone soils give the wines their savoury, mineral spine. The wine is aged sixteen months in large oak casks rather than small barrels, so oxygen exchange is slow and gentle, rounding the tannins and integrating the fruit without adding overt wood flavour. It is a translucent ruby. The nose is fresh and classic, with red cherry and raspberry over dried herbs, tobacco, leather and earth; the palate is medium-bodied and taut, with bright acidity, fine, sinewy tannins and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young, with grilled meats, tomato-based pasta or aged Tuscan cheese.