Deep ruby color; cherry, strawberry, blood orange, blackberry, chocolate, smoke, pepper, earth, oak on the nose and palate.
Dry; firm, puckering but not abusive tannin, abundant balancing acidity. Consider decanting. Light-medium body. The initial attack is amiable red wine, but things get more serious as it courses through your mouth with bitter chocolate and sour cherry present in the mid-palate and finish, and then—at the end—switch to sweeter cherry and blood orange. Whew. Mostly sangiovese—by rule it must be at least 60%, but likely more here. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine spends 10 months in 132-gallon French oak tonneaux. 14.5% ABV
Tenuta [Estate] Pianirossi is the creation of owner Stefano Sincini who fell in love with the land of Maremma. The website explains: “Stefano Sincini, who, having fallen in love with the landscapes of the Maremma during his studies undertaken in Siena, set himself the objective of creating something unique in this territory in order to preserve its beauty.”
Pianirossi Sidus Montecucco Rosso 2019 presents its self in stages—easy-going red in the initial attack, but—wait for it—some serious flavors begin in the mid-palate and through finish. Sour cherry and bitter chocolate flaunt their attractions, changing your experience from a simple, nice-tasting sangiovese to something with more character and complexity right before your surprised palate. Well worth a sip to experience the many dimensions of sangiovese, and all in a single pour.
Pair with rich beef dishes; lamb; veal; pasta dishes with meat and tomato sauces; dark meat chicken; cured meats; pork—barbecued baby back ribs; duck confit; comfort foods—pizza, meatloaf, burger and sliders. Cheese—aged cheese, pecorino, parmigiano-reggiano, asiago; blue cheeses, gorgonzola, stilton, roquefort; semi-hard cheese, provolone, fontina. $15-20