Costanti Ardingo Merlot Toscana IGT 2020

Produced by Conti Costanti, Ardingo is a rare expression of Merlot from one of Montalcino’s most historic wine estates. The Costanti family has been rooted in Montalcino since the sixteenth century, with the modern winery established in the early nineteenth century and remaining under continuous family ownership ever since. Best known for its benchmark Brunello di Montalcino, the estate has long been recognised for its traditional approach, combining meticulous vineyard work with restrained cellar practices that allow each site to express its character. Ardingo represents a departure from the estate’s Sangiovese heritage, demonstrating how an international variety can thrive in Montalcino’s unique terroir while retaining the elegance and balance that define the Costanti style. The Merlot is grown on carefully selected parcels surrounding the estate, where galestro, clay and limestone soils, together with the altitude and cooling influences of Montalcino, provide ideal conditions for producing wines of freshness, depth and refinement.

Made from 100% Merlot, Ardingo 2020 is fermented in stainless steel before maturing in French oak barrels, allowing the variety’s generous fruit to integrate seamlessly with the estate’s hallmark elegance. The warm yet balanced 2020 vintage produced beautifully ripe fruit while preserving freshness and aromatic definition. Aromas of black plum, blackberry and dark cherry are layered with notes of violets, cedar, tobacco leaf, cocoa and sweet spice. The palate is supple and beautifully structured, with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish that reflects the freshness of Montalcino rather than the opulence often associated with Merlot. Rich yet poised, Ardingo is approachable in its youth but has the balance and structure to evolve gracefully over the next decade, offering a distinctive and sophisticated interpretation of Merlot from one of Tuscany’s most revered producers.