MACCHIALUNA
2021
TOSCANA IGT
Petit Manseng 60%
Other whites 40%
Wow, this is aromatic! Honeysuckle, quince flowers, physalis, sweet mint, a spiciness. This very unusual blend is sparking with energy. The fruit is firm, confident, spliced with white-peppery, nutmeg spices and roof-tile dustiness. Apricots and bergamot. There is so much here. It’s intriguing, fun, a kaleidoscope in the mouth. And I love that tingling white-pepper finish. (TC)
It’s not headily aromatic, surprisingly (given the two varieties in the blend) but it does come scented with lilac and iris flowers. But wow, does this wine taste of crystallised ginger root! It’s fabulously, fantastically gingery! Gorgeously spicy. Sweet Spanish paprika, nutmeg, Sichuan peppercorn. It’s dry but there is a sense of sweetness tucked into something savoury, but also a ping-ping-ping of bright acidity – lychee, rock-salt-glistening focaccia, rosemary and lemon zest. Another crazy, fun, quirky and utterly delicious blend from the Mastrojanni crew.
MOSCAMINER
2020
TOSCANA IGT
Gewurtztraminer 50%
Moscato bianco 50%
GISSO
2021
TOSCANA IGT
Sauvignon 100%
This is perfumed with glazed lemons, white stone fruit, flowers and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with vivid acidity and notes of peach pit and pine needles. Attractive and fresh with a creamy finish. Drink now.
CHARD’O’
2020
TOSCANA IGT
Chardonnay 100%
A classy Chardonnay: complex, crystalline acidity meshed with praline and roasted-chestnut richness from the oak and baked-pear sweetness from the fruit. The texture is fine and well-defined, like the silk and graininess of ripe, golden pears. Long and persistent.
ROSAMATTO
2021
ROSE’ TOSCANA IGT
The Rosamatto 2019 rosato from La Nascosta, an estate in Val d’Orcia owned by the Mastrojanni family of Brunello fame, is an intriguing rosato. Made with 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Black Moscato, it boasts compelling aromatics of pressed elderflower, white rose, small red berry, sage, hay and a whiff of graphite while the medium-bodied palate features dried apricot, grapefruit, spiced blueberry and saline notes. Made entirely in steel, at age three it has more depth than most rosatos that are made to be consumed upon release.
SALTAMACCHIA
2020
ORCIA DOC
Merlot 10%
Sangiovese 90%
Perfumed nose of dark cherries, blueberries and hints of violets, graphite and dark chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, bright and juicy, with a silky and seamless texture. So balanced ad refined. 90% sangiovese and 10% merlot. Already beautiful to drink, but will age well. Drink or hold.
GIOVESONE
2020
ORCIA RISERVA
Sangiovese 100%
The nose is perfused with ripe cherries, plush with a touch of chocolate. And this is what it offers on the palate, along with peppery spices, an autumnal underbrush and quite a bit of heat. The tannins are formidable, however. Long, iron-clad and resistant. At the moment, they’re chopping the fruit back. I’d give this a couple more years in bottle.
Wine Region: Tuscany-Orcia-Monte Amiata