2019 Fonterutoli - Concerto

Lively, fresh and well integrated. There’s still something to come. Lots there – many different mineral elements and no shortage of fruit. No drying finish. (JR)

So much promise on the nose, your mouth starts watering in anticipation even before the vivid fruit hits on the opening beats. This holds the line throughout, delivering classic Sangiovese character of raspberry, fresh cherries, and cut herbs, with concentrated liqourice, tobacco, tar and leather. Sculpted and precise, and that perfect Italian signature where you just want to grab a bottle and a plate of food to go alongside. So easy to love, and more proof of how enjoyable the 2019 vintage is in this part of the world. 3.5ph, 70% new oak in barrel and cask format, plus four months in concrete tanks before release. A classic vintage also, with the right amount of rain at the right time, everything went right, so a great production year in terms of yield. Gionata Pulignani winemaker, owned by Marchesi Mazzei.

The 2019 Concerto di Fonterutoli, the estate' 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, is quite the powerhouse. Cabernet very much drives the blend in 2019, in its aromas, flavors and overall structure. Dark cherry, herbs, licorice, menthol and spice abound. Whereas the 2020 is already quite open, the 2019 needs a year or two in bottle, if not more, to be at its best.