Podere Brizio Rosso di Montalcino 2023

Podere Brizio Rosso 2023, the Sangiovese without the wait

This Rosso di Montalcino 2023 offers a more immediate way to approach the Sangiovese of Montalcino: it shares its origin with Brunello, but presents itself in a younger, livelier style. Made from organically farmed grapes and aged in French oak barrels, it invites you to open a bottle of Tuscany without waiting for the long cellaring years associated with its prestigious neighbor.

An organic Sangiovese, born in Montalcino

The Podere Brizio winery is located southwest of Montalcino, in the province of Siena. The vines sit between 330 and 350 meters above sea level, facing the sea and the Maremma, on the warmest side of the region. Sandstone and marl soils provide the setting for this Rosso di Montalcino DOC, made from the Sangiovese grape. The 2023 vintage thus carries a strong local identity, with no need to attribute more distant origins to it.

As for aging, the available information indicates twelve months in French oak barrels, followed by three months in bottle. The description places this wine on the fruit-forward side rather than the spicy one, with noticeable but restrained oak and a moderate body. It does not, however, specify the color of the robe or any distinct aromas or flavors: I'd rather tell you that than invent notes of cherry, flowers, or forest floor. The safest benchmark remains that of a younger, fresher, livelier Rosso than Brunello, designed to be enjoyed sooner.

At the table, in the Tuscan spirit

I would serve it with pasta in sauce, a risotto, cured meats, or aged cheeses, pairings suggested for this wine that echo the generous cooking of the region. It can also accompany red meat or game, depending on the meal and your mood. If you're looking for a Sangiovese di Montalcino to share without waiting for a grand occasion, this organic 2023 is a simple and coherent choice: open it at the table, give it a little room in the glass, and take the time to see how it expresses itself.