Sassotondo Poggio Pinzo Ciliegiolo 2020

Sassotondo farms its estate on the volcanic tuff plateau of Pitigliano and Sovana in southern Tuscany, where porous tuff and weathered scoria give free-draining, mineral soils. Poggio Pinzo is a single-vineyard bottling of Ciliegiolo, a Tuscan native long treated as a blending grape but capable of perfumed varietal reds on the right ground. The vineyard is farmed organically, and warm Maremma days with cooling coastal influence keep ripeness in check while preserving acidity. The wine is aged in clay amphorae rather than oak, a method that allows slow, gentle oxygen exchange through the porous walls and rounds the tannins without adding wood flavour, so the fruit and the volcanic site stay in focus. Expect a bright ruby colour and a nose of sour cherry, wild raspberry and plum with dried herbs, black pepper and a stony, earthy undertone. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fresh acidity, fine grainy tannins and a long mineral finish. Serve at around 16 degrees, with a short decant to open the aromatics. It suits roast chicken, herbed pork and mushroom dishes.