I’m drinking this instead of Brunello for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has the aromatic ‘wow factor’ that I yearn for, but seldom find, in a lot of Brunellos. Secondly, it is utterly faithful to the character of the grape variety, Sangiovese. Thirdly, it’s incredibly well-priced when you compare it to serious Brunello and, trust me, it tastes like serious Brunello.

It has a gentle side, with sweet cherry, floral notes, orange peel, cinnamon and scented wood yet it also has a brooding side, a touch of the gothic, with lilies and and black ink, velvet tannins and terrific length. You might notice that it’s closed with a screwcap, which is about the only thing about this wine that doesn’t scream ‘Brunello’! A blend of Sangiovese (95%) and Canaiolo (5%) aged for 20 months in Burgundian oak (20% of which was new). 14.5% alc. Drink now-2036.

Press review:

Vinous (Antonio Galloni): “The 2021 Montedesassi, 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, is another super-expressive wine from Il Borghetto. Dark-toned fruit, incense, tobacco and rose petal are some of the many nuances that open with a bit of coaxing. As is so often the case with these wines, the aromatics are distinctly high-toned, but in 2021 all the elements are nicely balanced throughout. Drink now-2033.” 93 points

Customer comment:

“We had dinner this evening in a restaurant in Edinburgh called Sotto, where the sommelier recommended the Montedesassi, il Borghetto and I was blown away by it, so I looked it up online and found your review. I entirely agree. This is a spectacular wine for the price and entirely matches what you said about it. “ - Mr T.M.