2022 Rosso di Montepulciano

The 2021s at Valdipiatta are a compelling set of wines, from the flagship Vino Nobile (95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo Nero) to the newly minted Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pieve Cerliana (100% Sangiovese). However, the winery suffered a 30% decrease in production in this warm and dry vintage due to small berries and thick skins. I spent a good amount of time with Winemaker Miriam Caporali, touring their vineyards and speaking about their organic practices and focus on biodiversity. Valdipiatta (which translates to flat valley) has vineyards that span the higher elevations (around 350 meters) of the valley. This is where they source their single-vineyard Vigna d'Alfiero, planted in the 1960s on red clay and sandy soils, as well as the new Pieve Cerliana, where marls mix with blue clay. Both are fantastic in 2021. Trying to pick a favorite is like splitting hairs. Valdipiatta also farms vines at the lower elevations near the winery, where a small stream dissects their vineyards. Here, the soils are sand and silt, and most of the fruit goes into making a delicious Rosé.