Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Livio Sassetti Pertimali Montecucco Rosso La Querciolina (Tuscany, Italy) – $27.99 (regularly $33.99).
The Sassetti family (famous for their wonderful Brunello’s) lures one to their vineyards and cellar having farmed some of Montalcino’s finest vineyards for over a century in Central Italy. Located in the Montosoli hills, north of Montalcino, the story dates back to 1967 where Livio Sassetti worked the historic property through to the late 1970s, then purchased the 16 hectare vineyard of the now–famous Podere Pertimali. The Podere is particularly well-known area for the cultivation of the Sangiovese Grosso grape used in the making of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino reds. Four generations of the Sassetti family have made wine in Montalcino and Livio was among the founders of the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino, which was the same year the DOC(G) system became law.
This week’s feature, their Maremma adventure Montecucco Rosso La Querciolina is a 100% Sangiovese red from volcanic soil that is full-bodied, with medium tannins, lovely structure and dense notes of black cherry fruit laced with brambleberries, cedar, minerality and sweet spices. Enjoy on Mother’s Day pairing with a Pappardelle in a wild boar ragu!