2009 Ferrero Rosso di Montalcino

Sangiovese expresses its penchant for drama in the diversity of roles played out in the warm, limestone-laden, sandy terroir of Tuscany, and no performance is more memorable than that of the wines of Montalcino, where the superbly-defined, expressive baritone of Brunello rules supreme. Fortunately, for those who would prefer not to wait a decade or more, there is usually an abundance of delicious Rosso di Montalcino to go around, ready to decant and enjoy today. Claudia Ferrero produces a riper, inviting style in her slightly toastier vineyards, well-suited to those who appreciate full-bodied domestic reds. Full of vibrant, lushly-extracted black plummy fruit and wild berries enlivened by good acidity and earthier loamy flavors of fresh espresso, this wine sings like a tenor in the glass, finishing with a lovely flourish.

Great Tuscan vintage, superb small producer, and an exceptional vineyard location equals a stunningly outstanding Gem that can only be classified as a “Baby Brunello.” Bright plumy to spicy anise aromas lead to a well-balanced, richly extracted, broad set of flavors with mocha and roasted coffee bean tones, showing excellent acid structure, integrated silky tannins, and a long, complex finish that refuses to quit. This Gem, according to Rusty, will be one of our house reds for however long it is available. It will be a wonderful holiday gift for those relatives that love great red wines. 14.5% ABV

The last of the 2009 Rosso di Montalcino as the 2010's are beggining to arrive. The Ferrero winery was established on the southern slopes of the hill of Montalcino on part of the original Banfi property. The wonderful ripeness of this 2009 Ferrero Rosso di Montalcino is owing partly to its position on the hill and partly to the extraordinary quality of the vintage. This is Sangiovese in its purest form - complex and elusive, offering a kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas - fruit and spice, leather and earth. Outstanding value.

Ferrero is one of my favs from Montalcino. The South Western location of the vineyards adds a rich texture to their wines. Nice ripe fruits with excellent structure and finesse. Delicious!

This delicious "baby Brunello" is a great 100% sangiovese and is great with a plate of grilled meat! This wine has everything: vinous, red fruit, firm tannins and refreshing, food-friendly acidity- all for under $20!

This is one of the last of the 2009 Rosso’s, the 2010’s should be coming in a couple months. When I tasted this in February of 2011, I thought it was great and since then it has just come into its own. I think we have save the best for last. This is a user friendly rosso, bright fruit hits you first, black cherries cassis and ripe strawberries and then Tuscany starts to roll across you palate, the terroir takes on the rest of this wine, giving it a long finish that lingers. Needs an hour or so of breathing time.

Now we're talking a perfect Sangiovese to bring home. With the pedigree of a Brunello, but with a much lower cost. This would be perfect accompaniment to your Italian soirée.

This wine is for Sangiovese lovers and novices alike. It has plenty of rich lush fruit upfron to please many California centered palates, but also a touch of earth and spice that Italian wine drinkers have come to love.