“ A definite must for Brunello fans.” - Jancis Robinson MW

This is Cupano’s ‘baby’ Brunello, a pure Sangiovese sourced from vines within the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, aged in oak barrels, but simply labelled ‘Vino Rosso’, because the vines are younger and the style is slightly lighter and more approachable in youth than a Brunello. However, you can still enjoy the essence of Tuscan Sangiovese made by one of the most respected names in the region and the price is more approachable too. It’s a little dusty on the nose at first, like broken terracotta, but the fruit comes through soon after, showing sweet cherry, red plum, orange peel, nutmeg and an overall sense of leggerezza.

Lionel Cousin, the wonderful, warm-hearted Frenchman who established Cupano with his wife, Ornella, was a close friend of Henri Jayer and he applies the great man’s principles here with organic farming, low yields, meticulous care of the vines, indigenous yeasts, ageing on the fine lees in Burgundian barriques, no filtration and no clarification. There is a Burgundian feel to the wine, even a little young Barolo too, showing in the wines delicate perfume and cherry skin tannins. 13% alc. Drink now-2036

Press review:

Jancis Robinson MW: “Dark garnet really glows. Lots of pleasure here! Mid, lustrous crimson. Really rich and rewarding. A definite must for Brunello fans. Intense. QGV.” 17 points