Sesta di Sopra IGT Sangiovese 2018

We introduced Sesta di Sopra last year, a tiny estate in Brunello di Montalcino who has been making fantastic wine for around 25 years. Proprietors Ettore and Enrica Spina bought the estate and replanted the vineyards in the ‘80s.

They picked a very special spot, within the designated cru of Sesta, an area that Italian critic Ian D’Agata has likened to a Grand Cru. Makes sense, the vines are planted at elevation, some of the highest points in Brunello. They are rooted in calcareous soil and in close proximity to the Orcia River, which brings a cooling influence to what is a normally a very hot part of southern Tuscany. The elevation, mineral soil and big swings in day and night temperatures produce powerful wines yet an uncommon degree of elegance.

The Spinas’ IGT Sangiovese is like a fantasy cross of Brunello and Vosne-Romanee; lush and juicy like great Pinot but with the heft and brawn of the best of Brunello. I met a winemaker a very long time ago who called these kinds of wines, “Big Boys that can Dance”…exactly!…the 2018 IGT Sangiovese is like a Baby Brunello, very stylish, with fine aromatics, knocked-out fruit and a long, mineral finish. Perfect with any thing off the grill as we try to maximize the end of summer.