Azienda Agricola Montesecondo - Sangiovese Toscana IGT 2021 (750ml)

 Ever since tasting this in the Fall this brilliant though humble 2021 Montesecondo Sangiovese IGT has lingered in the back of my mind, the memory bright as a new penny. Honestly just how good can a Sangiovese IGT be?
I’m here to tell you friends, pretty damn good. The robe is a transparent ruby to the rim. The nose is inviting and perfumed upon opening. Attractive aromas of wild strawberry, morello cherry, reveal themselves even before pouring. Hints of forest floor, dried tea roses, and sweet spice express themselves upon pouring. There’s a faint whiff on cured meat lingering on the periphery that lends complexity and a touch of grounding earthiness. Midweight and agile on the palate with more of the juicy red fruit flavors and a fine balance between ripeness and liveliness. Bouyant acidity and ultra fine tannins frame all the ebullient fruit. Ode to Joy as expressed in an organic Tuscan red wine (as rendered by a local brass band). Excellent length here and a rippling, rising, sprightly finish. Plenty of pleasure to be found without taking oneself too seriously.
Given the architecture and weight here, I’d enjoy the current flush of happiness and opt to cellar the Chianti Classico while laying this down by the case for a pizza wine. One shouldn’t be afraid to enjoy the simple pleasures of a pie and this whiz-bang, firecracker of a Tuscan red. Splendid stuff and well worth the tariff. I’ll give this 1000 pts with a Roman style pizza amuse and bucatini all’amatriciana and braised escarole. Bravo, Silvio Messana! -John McIlwain Plucky Wines