Rosso di Montalcino ‘Colto’ Castello Romitorio 2020

Rosso di Montalcino ‘Colto’ Castello Romitorio is beautiful expression of Sangiovese made from the younger vines on the Romitorio estate situated northwest of Montalcino. It is a vibrant wine which has been aged for 18 months before release, 6 months in oak, 6 months in cement and then 6 months in bottle. The wine has clean red fruit, herby spice notes and a glorious balance. It is open and drinking well but will benefit more time in the bottle.

Castello Romitorio was a half renovated abandoned wreck when artist Sandro Chia purchased it in 1984. What was left of the building had been abandoned after WW2 and used only by shepherds until Baron Giorgio Franchetti, a historic building restorer, purchased it in the 1970s. He abandoned his plan (I didn’t say he was a successful building restorer) and sold the property to Sandro who completed the work and brought the building back to life as his home and art studio. The building had been built originally in the 12th century as an imposing hilltop fortress to guard the town of Montalcino. In the late 1980’s Sandro set about restoring the land around the castle back to its former glory with an overhaul of the vineyards. New cellars were constructed in 2005 and Filippo, Sandro’s son became an integral part of the team. The wines have become internationally recognised as elegant expressions of Sangiovese that flirt between the modern and classic style.