“Quite honestly, I had a hard time getting to sleep the night I tasted these wines. They were that viscerally thrilling. Le Pergole Torte isn’t a great Tuscan or Italian wine. It is simply one of the world’s elite wines.” Antonio Galloni
Montevertine is fast becoming a household name, famed principally for the world famous Le Pergole Torte. We are delighted to be able to offer their outstanding 2010 Le Pergole Torte, which scored 95+ points by Antonio Galloni, adding weight to the argument that 2010 for Super Tuscans is one of the best vintages in history. Unlike Tignanello (85% Sangiovese) it is 100% Sangiovese, the wine is vinified in cement tanks, then aged first in French oak and then cask. Production is more akin to Pomerol with only 2,000 cases on average made per year. The purity of fruit is remarkable, it is structured, concentrated and possibly the most refined expression of Sangiovese in the world, it is less rustic than Tignanello and drinks well young, yet lasts for decades.
Montevertine is located in Radda, a district at the very heart of Chianti, placed equidistantly between Sienna and Florence. The vineyards are found on the highest altitude in the region of Chianti Classico, thus benefiting from a cooler temperature which helps the wine retain a wonderful freshness and balanced acidity.
Le Pergole Torte is their prestige wine and continues to be made with the passion and precision laid down by Sergio Manetti, an Italian steel magnate who bought the property in 1967. They maintain a regional typicity, refusing to plant international varieties, expressing Sangiovese with intense character and in terms of its powerful structure it is in a league of its own. Due to the fact it did not use the obligatory white variety (Trebbiano) it fell outside the appellation laws of Chianti Classico and is labelled as Vino de Tavola. Since then the Chianti Classico rules have changed and in principle it could now use that title. However, its global acclaim means it has never needed a designation; collectors know what they are getting, something much more special than just a Chianti Classico.
Le Pergole Torte is only made in exceptional years and the labels, designed by Alberto Manfredi, vary from year to year. The labels like the wine are exquisite, using a variant of a ladies profile, who generally is depicted drinking a wine, my bet is that she is drinking Le Pergole Torte, why would she choose anything else!
Montevertine Rosso, their second wine is one of the best value wines on the market. Made from grapes from the same vineyard and aged in Slovenian oak for 24 months it really ticks all the boxes for a great drinking wine. In 2009 the Montevertine Rosso scored a remarkable 94 points and is priced perfectly at £150 for a half case. Our advice is to buy the Le Pergole Torte 2010 a wine so sought after and well-priced that it is due to increase steadily across all vintages. Cellar it for a few years and enjoy it on special occasions, or if you can part with it resell it once the market corrects. However, while you are waiting, drink the Rosso at the price point of £25 a bottle as you will be hard pushed to find a better drinker.
Montevertine La Pergole Torte 2010, 6×75 – £330, 95+ points Antonio Galloni
“All I can say is that the 2010 Le Pergole Torte is going to be fascinating to follow. It isn’t as obvious as the 2006, 2007 or 2009, nor as reticent as the 2008, the 2010 is endowed with gorgeous symmetry, even if it reveals just the barest hint of its potential today. Over the last year, the 2010 has put on some weight, but remains shy and not in the mood to say much. The wine’s inner perfume and silky tannins and exceptional balance suggest the 2010 will develop beautifully in the cellar. The 2010 Pergole Torte is exceptionally beautiful and polished, though not as obvious in style as some of the other great recent vintages. I can’t think of too many other wines from Tuscany I would prefer to buy for cellaring than Le Pergole Torte.” Antonio Galloni
Montevertine Rosso 2009, 6×75 – £150, 94 points Antonio Galloni
“The 2009 Montevertine comes across as more classic than the Pergole Torte [2009]. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support expressive sweet red cherries, freshly cut flowers and mint. The 2009 is a highly attractive, pointed Montevertine that oozes class and elegance. Clean, saline notes inform the beautifully pointed, delineated finish. This is far from an easygoing 2009. The wine still needs time to fully come together. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.” Antonio Galloni
To purchase the Le Pergole Torte please click here and to purchase the Rosso please click here.