…rustic charm

Founded in 1893, Cecchi is one of the oldest and most prominent winemakers in the heart of Tuscany, and a pioneering family with the modern development of Sangiovese. Cecchi embodies Tuscan authenticity along with an industrious eye on innovation and sustainability, crafting wines that showcase an authentic expression of their family-owned vineyards.
In June 2023 I spent time with the crew at Cecchi working at several of their sites located across the greater Tuscan region. Along with enjoying all things local and traditional, including seasonal artisan produce and cuisine. So, when it came time to pairing a red wine with a slow cooked, herb crusted pork or lamb dish - this carefully crafted red wine, sourced from the hillside slopes of Montepulciano in Tuscany was a natural choice. A wine expressing the dynamic personality of Sangiovese, plus one of the ‘best value’ red wines crafted in the region.
Captured inside this bottle, is that raw natural rustic beauty and essence of Sangiovese. Showcasing local wild berry flavours, and infused spice aromas, the ideal wine for sharing with good friends and some thinly sliced aged prosciutto and dark olives. This 2019 Cecchi ‘Vino Nobile di Montepulciano’ is has started to express its true nature, showcasing the characteristics of the ‘Prugnolo Gentile’ varietal of the Sangiovese family. It has a casual nature and rustic charm that makes this wine a pleasure to enjoy on release or with a little age. The experienced team at Cecchi prefer a relatively low intervention approach with this wine during its 2-year ageing in oak barrels in their cellars. Developing a wine with an appealing personality which showcases the vines planted across the picture-postcard hilltop town of Montepulciano.

★ On the nose you have classic aromas of mixed cherries, red plums, violets, local dried spices and a hint of BBQ embers. On the medium weighted palate, this 2019 has a classic rustic nature, with a number of infused layers of flavour and a fine earthy texture, with those wild cherries and plum flavours coming forward. The varietal acidity and tannins are well controlled, nicely revealing its casual character along with a smoky vanilla spice from time in oak that has given structure and balance to this appealing classic dry red wine.

This 2019 Cecchi ‘Vino Nobile di Montepulciano' DOCG has 13.5% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. I would suggest decanting of 20-30 minutes & serve in an appropriate red wine glass at 16°- 17°C. - *NZ$44.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 20/12/24)
With mild decanting drinking well now: plus, will age nicely for another 3 - 4 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with seasoned pork or lamb cuts, along with classic thin based meat lover’s pizza, mushroom & truffle pasta dishes with herb/wine sauce, earthy vegetarian cuisine & aged hard chesses - enjoy.