Montecucco – An Obscure, Delicious Slice of Tuscany

With over 350 grape varieties and 20 winegrowing regions within which are 408 denominations (DOCGs, DOCs, DOPs), it’s no wonder the world of Italian wine can be confusing. Every wine lover has heard of Tuscany, Piemonte, Veneto and Sicily, right? But there are so many more regions and small denominations within each to discover in this ever-fascinating wine journey throughout Italy. This month, the #ItalianFWT group, who love uncovering the layers of all things Italy by tasting its food and wine (and experiencing a side of travel, if lucky enough), have chosen to explore the lesser known regions of this iconic country. Hosted by Susannah Gold, writer at Avvinare, our group is more than ready with suggestions for wine and food from unique areas. See below for their contributions.

Having been sent two wine samples from Montecucco, I was intrigued to learn more about this tiny area in Maremma, the southern, most coastal area in Tuscany. I hope you’ll be, too.

I was intrigued to learn that the history of Maremma helps define the culture of today. In the golden age of the Etruscans, mining and selling precious metals helped fund the fine arts and a surprisingly modern system of government. Once the Romans arrived, however, forward thinking Etruscans were displaced; the invaders desired this striking empire for its minerals and proximity to the sea.

Through the centuries, glorious Maremma of long ago disappeared – war, pestilence and disease were pervasive. Foreign rule led to the building of fortresses, still seen in many cities today, and at one point, the province was almost deserted. By the 18^th century, the area was united once again. Yet, even now, invisible markers continue to define cultural boundaries of villages and their people. And the wines of Maremma? Like those invisible markers, the wines of Sangiovese are what the region has in common.

Today, my focus is on the often overlooked area of Montecucco in Maremma and two of its luscious wines.

With one of the lowest yields in Italy, only seven tons of grapes per hectare are obtained in Montecucco. Under vine are 96 hectares located at 150-400 meters above sea level. Vineyards are found on the lava rich slopes of Mount Amiata, an extinct volcano, under which are hot, thermal springs. The climate is cool and windy, thanks to currents from central Italy and breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast. Sunshine, optimal rainfall in the winter, and a broad diurnal temperature range in the summer, help the grapes, over two thirds grown organically, thrive.

Established as a DOC in 1998, Montecucco Sangiovese was established as a separate DOCG in 2011. Major white grape varieties are Grechetto, Malvasia, Trebbiano and Vermentino and red grapes cultivated are Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese. Whites, reds, rosato and dessert wines are bottled; in 2017, almost 86,000 cases were produced.

The first wine tasted was 2016 Poggio Stenti “Tribulo” Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG is from a winery located in the hills of Montecucco, high on the Orcia River and protected by Monte Amiata. Approximately 6000 bottles were produced from vineyards on calcareous clay. Aromas of maraschino cherries, white pepper, sweet spice, dark chocolate, vanilla and toast were enticing. Flavors of ripe red fruit, mint, chocolate and espresso were embraced by vibrant acidity and soft tannic structure. Fresh and complex, the wine was an exceptional pairing to creamy spinach stuffed mushrooms. (Find the recipe here.)  For more about Poggio Stenti, their wines and unique terroir, click here.

Just delicious was 2016 Le Calle “Poggio d’Oro” Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG of 100% organically grown Sangiovese aged for 18 months in French and Slavonian oak barrels. Only 5000 bottles were produced of this wine that exuded aromas of rich, red fruit, creamy vanilla and juicy plums. The flavorful palate offered bright acidity and firm tannins that framed notes of red berries, baking spice, vanilla extract, mint and tobacco. Rustic and earthy, balanced and structured, each sip was a mouthwatering complement to baked eggplant parmesan with a side of pasta and rich tomato ragu, although I could have chosen any steak dish, succulent roast game or risotto with porcini mushrooms. (Find the eggplant parmesan recipe here.)

The production philosophy of Le Calle is based on a “deep respect for tradition and love for a particular land like Tuscany which has given and continues to give the world great wines.” I encourage you to read more about this family owned organic winery here.

When you’re searching for a refreshing, off-the-beaten-path wine from Italy, consider those from Montecucco for a delicious slice of Tuscany.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more food and wine pairings from lesser-known regions of Italy, enjoy the articles from my #ItalianFWT colleagues.

Jennifer from Vino Travels Italy shared “Sangiovese from Le Marche with Agricola La Canosa”

Susannah from Avvinare wrote about “Basilicata and its Viticultural Gems”

Katarina from Grape Vine Adventures took us to Calabria with “Sustainable Wines for the Curious Mind from Calabria”

Gwen from Wine Predator joined with “3 Surprising Sparklers from Emilia Romagna’s Terramossa #ItalianFWT”

Wendy from A Day In The Life On the Farm added “Venison Stew with the Hidden Gem of Sicily, Nero d’Avola”

Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Cam brought “Italy Meets Argentina: Empanadas de Carne + Azienda Bisceglia Terra di Vulcano Aglianico del Vulture 2016”

Gwen from Wine Predator joined with “3 Surprising Sparklers from Emilia Romagna’s Terramossa #ItalianFWT“

Linda from My Full Wine Glass wrote about “Discovering Torrette from Tiny Valle d’Aosta.”

Lynn from Savor the Harvest shared “Head to Italy’s Lazio Region for Cesanese.”

You’d like more Grape Experiences? Please click here.