Baron d'Ugo, IGT Toscana, 2016

Surprisingly easy to drink, juicy and red-fruited at first approach. There is a refreshing quality that comes more from the distinctive rocky minerality characterising this wine, once the warm sun-ripened summer berry fruit dissipates. Svelte and easy-going texturally but a little reticent at first. Charming and enjoyable but with deep reserves and lots of potential. The chalky and salty minerality is key here, building slowly and holding your interest to the end of the glass. The same blend and vinification as Campitello yet such a different wine. A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino spontaneously fermented on the skins for 45 days. Ageing is in large French and Slavonian oak casks for 36 months. At 570 metres above sea level this South East-facing vineyard is the highest on the Monteraponi estate, indeed one of the very highest in Chianti Classico. The soils are intensely rocky and poor - this is pure hard limestone, known locally as Albarese. Certified Organic.