2010 Rosso di Montalcino

The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino is striking in its beauty. A cool, reticent wine, the 2010 is showing just the barest hints of its potential. Sweet floral notes lead to red berries, mint and spices in a wine that stands out for its nuance and crystalline purity. Beams of underlying acidity support the delineated finish. The Rosso is a great introduction to the wines of Stella di Campalto.

The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino is striking in its beauty. A cool, reticent wine, the 2010 is showing just the barest hints of its potential. Sweet floral notes lead to red berries, mint and spices in a wine that stands out for its nuance and crystalline purity. Beams of underlying acidity support the delineated finish. The Rosso is a great introduction to the wines of Stella di Campalto. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. These are two beautiful wines from Stella di Campalto, one of Montalcino’s new generation of emerging producers. Deeply inspired by producers such as Gianfranco Soldera and Piero Palmucci, Campalto crafts compelling Rossos and Brunellos from her vineyards in Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Campalto follows biodynamic principles in her vineyards. The various parcels are vinified and aged separately until Campalto prepares her blends just prior to bottling the Rosso. Although often quite delicate and approachable when young, both the Rosso and Brunello blossom with time in bottle. Readers who haven’t checked out these wines owe it to themselves to do so. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404

Will be released in eight to nine months. Palish youthful ruby. Perhaps a little stalky and reductive at this stage and still a little in the grip of the malolactic fermentation (creamy note). Pretty, grainy tannins and fine acidity, almost integrated. Very young, but elegant. (WS)