Antinori - Pian Delle Vigne : Rosso di Montalcino 2023

Tasting notes and recommendations for the 2023 Rosso di Montalcino from Antinori - Pian Delle Vigne

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a ruby-red color.

Nose

The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity centered on fresh red and black fruits: black cherries, wild strawberries, and characteristic notes of blood orange. This bouquet is enriched with delicate spicy touches of cinnamon, subtle hints of rhubarb and pepper, accompanied by floral expressions reminiscent of violet. Nuances of balsamic herbs and leather add an additional dimension to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its light to medium structure that emphasizes elegance and finesse. The texture is silky and supple, supported by refined and perfectly integrated tannins. Lively, crisp acidity brings freshness and harmoniously structures the whole. Flavors of strawberry and blood orange dominate the palate, enhanced by savory elements and subtle balsamic notes. The finish stands out for its length and persistence, with a graceful character that reflects a beautifully balanced structure.

Food and wine pairings

This Rosso di Montalcino pairs ideally with grilled red meats, particularly bistecca alla fiorentina, as well as veal and game preparations (wild boar, venison) served with fruity accompaniments. It also pairs perfectly with pasta served with rich meat- or tomato-based sauces, aged cheeses such as parmigiano reggiano, provolone, or pecorino, as well as Italian cured meats. Flavorful white meats, grilled dishes, and fresh cheeses also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this 2023 Rosso di Montalcino, it is recommended to serve it in crystal glasses at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine offers immediate pleasure while also possessing a structure that will allow it to evolve favorably until around 2029.

An elegant and silky Rosso di Montalcino from Tuscany

The estate

Acquired in 1995 by the Marchesi Antinori family, the Pian Delle Vigne estate represents the entry of this winemaking dynasty, more than six centuries old, into the prestigious world of Brunello di Montalcino. This 184-hectare property, a significant portion of which is planted with vines, embodies the Antinori philosophy that combines centuries-old traditions with contemporary innovations. Located six kilometers southwest of Montalcino, in Tuscany, it takes its name from a former 19th-century railway station still present on the estate. Today led by Albiera Antinori, who heads the family company alongside her sisters, the estate stands out for its commitment to respectful viticulture and the authentic expression of the Montalcino terroir.

The vineyard

The vineyard of the Rosso di Montalcino extends across the slopes located southwest of Montalcino, overlooking the Val d'Orcia valley. The plots range between 130 and 200 meters in altitude, with most of the vines planted around 130 meters, benefiting from optimal southeast to southwest exposures. The soils are mainly composed of clay and limestone, scattered with fine gravel and small stones, a composition particularly favorable to Sangiovese. This structure ensures excellent drainage while maintaining sufficient water retention during dry periods. The estate cultivates several distinct clones of Sangiovese, a diversity that enhances the wine’s complexity.

The vintage

The 2023 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by contrasting climatic conditions. Spring was marked by abundant rainfall, particularly in April and May, replenishing the soils’ water reserves. The summer that followed proved hot and dry, with high temperatures in July and August, creating ideal conditions for the ripening of Sangiovese. The excellent temperature variations between day and night during this period favored the development of aromatic compounds and the balanced ripening of the tannins. Harvesting began on September 11, 2023, and continued until early October, allowing grapes that were perfectly healthy, aromatic, and at optimal ripeness to be picked.

Vinification and aging

After selective manual harvesting, the 2023 Rosso di Montalcino was vinified with great care to preserve the fruity expression and finesse of Sangiovese. The aging process lasted approximately 10 months in large Slavonian oak vats with capacities ranging from 30 to 80 hectoliters. This traditional approach, favoring large vessels rather than new barrels, preserves the exceptional integrity of the fruit and gives the wine its characteristic vibrant elegance, without masking the expression of the terroir with overly pronounced oak notes.

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese