Il Borghetto Monte de Sassi, Tuscany IGT, 2017

Il Borghetto Monte de Sassi, Tuscany IGT, 2017Founded in 1999 by the Cavallini Family, Il Borghetto is a small organic biodynamic property spread over 30Ha of vines, olives trees and woodland. There are 4Ha of vines. A complex patchwork of various rootstocks, exposures and soil bring complexity to the wines produced, with each being vinified separately prior to blending. Cavallini does not approach his winemaking in the traditional way of Tuscany. He purposefully declassifies his DOCG wines to

Founded in 1999 by the Cavallini Family, Il Borghetto is a small organic/biodynamic property spread over 30Ha of vines, olives trees and woodland. There are 4Ha of vines. A complex patchwork of various rootstocks, exposures and soil bring complexity to the wines produced, with each being vinified separately prior to blending.

Cavallini does not approach his winemaking in the traditional way of Tuscany. He purposefully declassifies his DOCG wines to IGP status to allow for the viticultural and vinification freedoms he needs. He employs whole bunch fermentation – not the norm - and even bottles his wines in Burgundy style bottles.

The approach overall is hands-off, sustainable. Wild yeast, use of whole clusters, hand plunging (pigeage) instead of pump-overs, long and natural fermentations in small open bins. The wines are aged in cement and carefully selected Burgundy barrels.

The Monte de Sassiis comprised of 20% whole bunch grapes. It undergoes 42 days of fermentation and maceration in open tanks of 1000 litres. There follows 20 months ageing in French barriques - 0% new oak – and then four months bottle ageing prior to release.

The nose shows off bright red fruits, mint, and a savoury undertow. On the palette are flavours of dried herbs, flower petal, tomato leaf, and reduced balsamic. Its an approachable wine, juicy yet well structured in the mouth. A lighter interpretation of the Sangiovese varietal. Can be enjoyed now.