Ormanni Julius Toscana 2022

Ormanni is a historic estate between Poggibonsi and Castellina in Chianti, long shaped by the legendary oenologist Giulio Gambelli. Julius is its Toscana IGT, a Super Tuscan that blends the local Sangiovese with Merlot and Syrah, a style developed in Tuscany to allow international grapes alongside the native variety. The vineyards sit on the galestro and alberese soils typical of the Chianti hills, where stony, well-drained ground and a warm but airy climate ripen fruit fully while keeping acidity in check. Sangiovese provides the backbone of acidity, cherry fruit and savoury structure, Merlot fills the mid-palate with plum and softer tannin, and Syrah adds colour, pepper and depth. The estate farms organically. Ageing runs around sixteen months in oak, where slow oxygen exchange builds a rounder texture and folds in spice, vanilla and a chocolate tone. The wine is deep ruby, with dark cherry and plum over black pepper, tobacco and oak spice. The palate is full and structured, with ripe tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17C, decanted, with grilled and roast red meat.