Deriving from fruit grown on the younger vines of Valdicava Filai Lunghi, Lago, Cipressi and Nova vineyards, this '12 Rosso shimmers across your palate on a bed of ripe berries and plums, a smattering of cinnamon, and a touch of earth, leather and cigar wrapper. A Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino is a baby Brunello in any year, and it allows Brunello enthusiasts to experience the beauty of the vintage years before Brunello's release.
Several important critics have rated this Rosso di Montalcino wine highly: Wine Spectator gave the 2007 vintage a score of 90. This is the second most sought-after wine from the region (in terms of user searches). There has been a lowering of demand in the past year. This is among the highest-priced Rosso di Montalcino wine. The price has been stable over the past year. All Valdicava grapes are organically grown and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers are used in the vineyards The Valdicava Rosso is made from the estate’s youngest vines, all of which are Brunello-designated. In 2010 Abbruzzese gave his Rosso an additional 4-5 months in cask above the usual 8-10 months. He describes the wine as “too important for a Rosso” and I tend to agree as this is by no means an approachable, easy going wine. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. Vincenzo Abbruzzese is one of the most outspoken, passionate growers in Montalcino. His beautifully tended vineyards yield some of the richest wines in the region; and that’s where most of the focus is – on the vineyards. The winery itself is unremarkable and is equipped with just the bare essentials. All of the wines are aged in large, neutral oak; what comes through is Abbruzzese’s commitment to low yields, sustainable farming and non-interventionalist winemaking consistently demonstrate richness and excellent structure.