Crognolo Sette Ponti 2023 (750ML)

Crognolo takes its name from the Cornelian cherry that grows wild across Antonio Moretti's Sette Ponti estate, and it has been made since 1998. Its Sangiovese descends from clones of Vigna dell'Impero, the estate's oldest vineyard, planted in 1935 by Amedeo, Duke of Savoy-Aosta, and grows in stony, marl-rich soils. The 2023 is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, raised in neutral French barriques and tonneaux. A wet spring brought disease pressure and made ripening difficult, and yields fell; extra hand selection within individual bunches kept only the best fruit. Deep ruby, it offers violet, orange peel, cinnamon and fresh red fruit. The Merlot adds a touch of flesh to a lively, juicy palate with supple tannins and a clean finish. It is ready now, and critics see it at its best through about 2030. Try it with pizza margherita, seared tuna or pappa al pomodoro.