2020 Salustri "Marleo" Montecucco Rosso

Hell, after over 20 years in this business I didn't even know where Montecucco was. I had to look it up, no joke. This little slice of Tuscany is sandwiched between Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scansano and is dominated by Sangiovese and a blending grape--Ciliegiolo. In fact it was that latter varietal that led me to this wine. Salustri makes a somewhat rare 100% Ciliegiolo that I loved, imagine Italian Beaujolais and you're pretty close, and so I had to give this a shot. I'm super glad I did. It blends the savory, herbal, red-fruited traditional Sangiovese fruit with a juicy, punch of cherry dominated Ciliegiolo. Evolving greatly in the glass with time and air this was a treat to drink and way too complex and intriguing for its $20 price tag. (Bryan, GTO)