Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino 2024

Salvioni Rosso 2024, the Sangiovese of Cerbaiola

I recommend this Rosso di Montalcino for its very down-to-earth roots in the hills of Montalcino and its measured aging in large casks. Made from Sangiovese grown organically, the 2024 vintage offers a way to taste the character of the grape without inventing aromas that the available information does not specify.

From Montalcino parcels to oak cask

Azienda Cerbaiola is a small Montalcino estate where three generations work the vines. Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino is produced under the DOC Rosso di Montalcino appellation, in Tuscany, and comes from three parcels located between 420 and 440 meters of altitude. The vines, aged 10 to 25 years, grow on pebbly soils. The estate practices organic farming, without synthetic products, and harvests the grapes by hand once they have reached maturity.

In the cellar, the Sangiovese ferments with its indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks of 35 to 40 hectoliters, for about 28 to 30 days. Pump-overs are frequent and the temperature is not controlled. The wine then spends twelve months in large Slavonian oak casks, of 18 to 22 hectoliters and medium toast, before a short rest in bottle. This process gives reference points about its style, but not a complete tasting sheet: the sources describe neither its color, nor precise aromas, nor its texture on the palate. I'd rather tell you that than embellish. The available style scale places it at 6 out of 9 between fruity and spicy, at 3 out of 9 between youth and cask aging, and at 6 out of 9 for body: useful indications, but they don't replace tasting.

At the table, without ceremony

At the table, the suggested pairings are simple and delightful: pasta or red meat. I easily picture it at the center of a convivial meal, when you feel like a characterful Tuscan red without waiting for a grand occasion. Serve it with a dish that leaves room for the wine, then take the time to see how the Sangiovese expresses itself in your glass. It is also the youngest wine in Cerbaiola's range, a gateway to the estate's work and its Montalcino parcels. If you enjoy organic wines aged in wood, this vintage deserves a place on your table.