Tony Wood is a wine writer who lives in Umbria and has one of the most informed palates on Tuscan wines. His blog is really worth following: www.tonywooditalianwine.com. He compiled a list of the 13 (we have no idea why 13) best wines he drank in 2022, of all appellations, and ranked our 2016 San Piero at number 8-just below the 2008 Chateau d’Yquem (really good company). Take a look at the list: https://www.tonywooditalianwine.com/post/top-wines-of-2022. Here is what he said about our wines:
Montecalvi Vigna Vecchia IGT 2019
Sangiovese blend predominantly with other indigenous Tuscan varieties
Intense salmon with light garnet hues. Delicate floral aromas, rose petal in the foreground. Wild strawberry, blackberry, dried Mediterranean herbs. Slight notes of licorice. Long-grain black pepper. Soft and silky entry. It immediately shows its class, completely seducing the palate. A charming and graceful wine.
Points 94 TW
Montecalvi Alta Valle Della Greve IGT 2016
Blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Medium ruby red color. Aromas of old red rose and violet. Red cherry on a bed of alcohol, raspberry, cassis, eucalyptus. Shades of dried Mediterranean herbs. Juicy and inviting. It widens in the mid-palate. Silky tannins surround fresh fruit with a sprinkling of spice. Full of character.
Points 93 TW
Montecalvi San Piero IGT 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Pale purple color. Dark floral foliage. Red and black berries, wild cherry, blood orange. Shades of green tea and ginger. Superb intensity. Extraordinary persistence. Savory and earthy. Triumph.
96 TW points
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We also had the honor of receiving 3 Gold Stars in Luigi Veronelli’s Gold Guide for our 2016 VV, which scored 94 points. (We are afraid it is sold out, but we are offering VV 2019).
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We were also very pleased with the review by Master Sommelier Raffaele Mosca, who included us in his top 10 wines presented at Chianti Classico Collection 2023. (His blog is always worth reading: https://sommelierlife.it/author/raffaele-mosca/)
Sommelier Life
Raphael Moscow
Montecalvi – 2020
Behind this wine is the skillful hand of Tim Manning, a winemaker I met last fall in Pienza who has spent time in Riecine and Oregon. Again, Tim demonstrates his ability to interpret Sangiovese in an almost “Burgundian” key: the aroma captivates with its mix of violets, balsamic flashes and animal accents. The sip is fluid, airy, delicate and fragrant, but with a savory thrust to give depth and an earthy echo that makes the persuasive and varied finish three-dimensional.
Points 93/100
