2019 Montevertine

Martino Manetti’s 2019s and 2020s are magnificent. The Montevertine, which has long lived in the shadows of Le Pergole Torte, is quite impressive in both vintages. Because Montevertine is aged exclusively in cask (while Pergole Torte sees a year of barrel and a year in cask), it exudes a feeling of classicism that is especially distinctive. In 2020, Montevertine includes a new parcel on the other side of Radda that seems to add greater richness and weight. Manetti describes 2019 as a year with a regular summer and no excesses. Harvest started on October 5 and lasted 15 days, while picking began about a week earlier in 2020. In tasting, the 2020s show more density and opulence than the 2019s, but both vintages are strong across the board.

Martino Manetti describes 2018 as a year that was not overly hot. Harvest took place from October 5-19. The key event in 2018 was a whopping 100mm of rain that fell in August, which shaped wines that are on the understated side, even by the house's historical standards. Manetti adds that 2019 was warmer than 2018 at Montevertine, showing how general trends with these two vintages don't always apply. As always, the wines are made in a pretty straightforward style. Primary and secondary fermentation are done in cement. Montevertine spends two years in cask, while Le Pergole Torte sees a year in French oak followed by a year in cask. These remain some of the most singular wines readers will come across in Chianti Classico, or anywhere, for that matter.