Conti Costanti Vermiglio Rosso di Montalcino 2020

From one of Montalcino’s historic estates, Vermiglio is Conti Costanti’s more immediate expression of Sangiovese, made from vineyards around the family’s home in the south-western part of the appellation. The Costanti family has been producing wine in Montalcino since the 16th century, with the estate’s vineyards benefiting from altitude and the cooling influence of Monte Amiata. The combination of galestro, clay and limestone soils gives the wine a firm, savoury structure while retaining the aromatic lift typical of Sangiovese.

The 2020 vintage produced beautifully balanced Sangiovese, combining ripe fruit with lively acidity and refined tannins. Sour cherry, red plum and raspberry lead into violet, dried herbs, liquorice and subtle tobacco, with an earthy, mineral note emerging underneath. The palate is juicy and precise rather than heavy, its fine tannins giving shape without obscuring the fruit. Already drinking very well, Vermiglio 2020 has the freshness and savoury character to work particularly well at the table, while offering a glimpse of the more structured style found in Costanti’s Brunello.