2019 Le Ragnaie 'Miscelone'

Region: Montalcino < Tuscany < Italy

Grapes: Sangiovese, Colorino, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Albana

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic/biodynamic farming; marl, clay-limestone soil; co-fermented, carbonic fermentation, aged in cement for 4 months; unfined/unfiltered with no added SO2; 12.5% ABV

The combination of a high elevation and a young, dynamic winemaker working biodynamically makes Le Ragnaie a unicorn in historic Montalcino. Riccardo and Jennifer Campinoti purchased the property, with the highest vineyards in Montalcino, in 2000.  They've been certified organic since 2009, and have since started working biodynamically, eschewing all sprays except biodynamic preparations, and using sheep in the vineyards for weed control and manure (soil health!)

Le Ragnaie is famous for their important and beautiful Brunello wines, but we're partial to this little gem, Miscelone, which is Riccardo's first stab at glou-glou. 'Miseclone,' or 'big mix,' is made up of 60% co-fermented red varietals and 40% white, done with carbonic maceration and just a brief 4 months in concrete before going to bottle. Like many zero-zero wines, it opens with a wall of reduction, which blows off to reveal pretty wild cherry/berry fruit and flowers and surprisingly firm tannins for the light hue. Light and fresh, this is minty, floral, spicy, cherry juice, a not-quite-rosé but not-quite-red that is perfect with a slight chill on a sunny afternoon.