2021 Montesecondo 'Il Rospo' Toscana Rosso

Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and damp violets integrate with savory notes of cedar, pencil shavings, and smoky underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied and exceptionally racy, featuring a core of succulent red fruit and a juicy, fluid texture. It displays fine-grained tannins and a bright acidity that leads to a clean, resonant finish marked by a distinct mineral lift and a touch of wild herb.

Winemaker Silvio Messana utilizes 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a tiny one-hectare parcel of 25-year-old vines. In the cellar, the fruit is harvested manually and fermented using only native yeasts in concrete tanks. The maceration is kept short—only about four days—using a submerged cap technique to ensure a gentle extraction that prioritizes fruit purity over heavy structure. The wine matures entirely in concrete vats and is bottled without fining or filtration, a low-intervention process that preserves its vibrant, high-toned energy.

The fruit is grown in the town of Cerbaia within the northern edge of the Chianti Classico zone in Tuscany. The site is defined by its stony clay and calcareous soils on a gentle, northwest-facing slope. These biodynamically farmed vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate that allows the Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen while maintaining a cool-climate personality. This specific terroir produces a wine that feels remarkably local, capturing the spirit and acidity of the region while showcasing the varietal’s signature dark fruit and savory spice.