85%
Sangiovese
A native and historic Tuscan variety with a rich and long history, offering bright freshness, red fruit, violet, spice, and just enough body and structure.
10%
Merlot
Merlot is known for its intense fruity aromas and its plush, velvety tannins. It brings wonderful color, a luxurious texture and a hint of blackberry and raspberries to our wine.
5%
Cabernet Sauvignon
The world’s most famous grape, and for good reason. Cabernet gives Monte Antico a pleasing backbone, lending structure, tannins, color and fruity aromas.
Vineyard Characteristics
The grapes for this wine were grown in the areas of Maremma, Colline Pisane (mainly Alta Valdera) and Colli Fiorentini. Soil types vary, but span from compact, very fine-textured limestone at 1,300-1,500 feet above sea level to a classic, clay and calcareous, rocky galestro around 1,300 feet above sea level, and go on to a clay, siliceous and calcareous soil at 820-990 feet above sea level. The finest grapes are harvested at their peak ripeness.
This balanced combination of geological diversity makes for the wine’s consistent excellence.
Winemaking
The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 77 °F (25 °C), followed by maceration on the skins for 15-20 days and malolactic fermentation for 7 days. It ages one year in oak (80% Slavonian barrels, 20% French barrique). Only about 10-20% are new while the rest is second use. Monte Antico ages in bottle for 12 months.
Tasting Notes
A true Tuscan classic! Deep ruby color with garnet reflections and an elegant bouquet of leather, black cherries, licorice and plums; a medium to a full-bodied palate, rich in ripe red fruit, goût de terroir, subtle notes of vanilla and violet that are well-integrated with the soft tannins and silky texture. Firm backbone, perfect integration of acidity and fruit and a well-rounded, gentle finish.
Wine Pairing
Best to pair with pasta, structured dishes, meat and cheese.