On Sale: $99.94 (was: $119.94)*
Montepeloso is part of a relatively new generation of producers in the Maremma who have left the typical ‘Super-Tuscan’ in the dust. The undeniable complexity of the terroir in the region means there are always new paths to follow, and Montepeloso has been taking us on quite a journey over the past two decades.
Producing “deep, resonant wines that capture all the magic of Maremma” (Galloni), Montepoloso has managed to produce something pretty special in the village of Suvereto, with richly textured and complex wines that make no compromises with finesse. ‘Nardo’ blends Sangiovese with Malvasia Nera, as well as a touch of Alicante and Montepulicano, yielding a personality-driven red that could stand up to the Bordeaux-style Super Tuscans without ever being mistaken for them. With fewer than 300 cases produced, it’s no wonder this pops up on the market so rarely. Even more rare is a chance to grab this 96pt ‘Nardo’ for under a hundred dollars, the lowest price anywhere for the 2018.
Suvereto sits only about 20 miles south of Bolgheri, and with a sunny Tuscan climate richness and power are easy to come by. Elegance and freshness however, are harder to achieve, and according to Vinous, winemaker Fabrizio Moltard succeeded in capturing “silkiness and finesse” in his “off the charts” 2018s. Hand-picked in small baskets, and aged for just under a year in French oak, this is such a distinctive and well crafted Sangiovese blend that proves Montepeloso is now a peer to the Super-Tuscan old guard. Cheers!
96 points, Vinous: "Proprietor Fabio Chiarelotto and longtime winemaker Fabrizio Moltard ratchet things up with their stellar 2018 Nardo. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, gravel, spice, underbrush, menthol, licorice and scorched earth give the 2018 its distinct, sepia-toned personality. Dark and brooding in the glass, with imposing tannins, the 2018 is a flat-out stunner."
95 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Nardo is a small and precious production with only 1,900 bottles made. It is sultry, extracted and velvety, but it also shows impeccable balance. The Montepeloso team shows real talent when it comes to experimenting and perfecting these offbeat blends, and I cannot imagine any other estate presenting such seamless results using these specific vinous building blocks. Dark fruit, cacao, cedar, cigar box and warm notes of soil or forest floor lift gently from the bouquet. This is a real beauty."
*Offer publication date April 8, 2022. Pricing and availability subject to change.