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2022 Montevertine, Le Pergole Torte, Toscana IGT
Montevertine’s flagship Le Pergole Torte is the definitive "Gold Standard" expression of Sangiovese from the high-elevation, limestone-rich soils of Radda in Chianti. Sourced from vineyards planted as early as 1968, this wine is a reference point for the elegance and verticality that define Radda’s unique microclimate within the heart of Chianti Classico. As one of Italy’s most iron-clad collectibles, it consistently cracks the "Top Ten" lists of global wine experts, melding power and finesse in a way that mirrors the world's greatest red Burgundies.
The winemaking philosophy at Montevertine is famously hyper-traditional, prioritizing the purity of the grape and its rocky, high-altitude terroir. All fermentations are conducted in the estate's original concrete vats, followed by a meticulous two-stage aging process. The wine spends 18 months in large Slavonian oak barrels before being racked into small Allier French oak barriques for a final six-month élevage. This patient approach ensures that the wine's massive extract and tannins are refined into a balanced, silky structure rather than raw power.
The 2022 Le Pergole Torte is a standout success in a vintage characterized by both highs and lows. Critics have hailed it as a masterpiece, with Monica Larner (98 pts) noting its "dark garnet appearance" and the "vertical lift" provided by its distinct mineral notes. Antonio Galloni (97+ pts) described the wine as magnificent and expansive, staining the palate with layers of dark fruit, mocha, and new leather, while James Suckling (98 pts) praised its "velvety tannins" and "refreshing acidity," marking it as a wine made for the long haul.
Produced only in outstanding years, this prestige bottling represents the single greatest expression of the Sangiovese grape in Tuscany. With a production of only 30,000 bottles, it remains a highly sought-after icon for serious collectors worldwide. While it possesses enough "baby fat" and fruit density to be approachable with a long decant today, its true potential will be realized over the next 20+ years. For the best experience, serve this Tuscan icon at 60-65°F in Burgundy stems to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. Molte Grazie!
98 pts Wine Advocate (Monica Larner): Here is another masterpiece from vintner Martino Manetti (and winemaker Paolo Salvi, following in the footsteps of long-time key figures Giulio Gambelli and Estate Manager Bruno Bini). The Montevertine 2022 Le Pergole Torte is 100% Sangiovese made in a similar winemaking style as the others, although both botte and barrique are used here. It opens to a dark garnet appearance that is velvety and rich yet shiny on the inside with a ruby brightness that is specific to this Tuscan grape. This is an amazing wine, so precise and balanced. I love the boldness of the vintage, and I am delighted by how elegantly it unfolds over the palate. The wine is contoured and pretty in terms of texture, and yet there are mineral notes that add freshness and vertical lift. This portfolio offers good scale with three wines, an entry-level, middle-level and top-end wine, each offering a distinct identity. Production is 30,000 bottles. This is one of my favorite wines from 2022, a vintage with highs and lows. This is definitely a high.
97+ pts Vinous (Galloni): The 2022 Le Pergole Torte is every bit as magnificent as it was last year. Deep and expansive in the glass, with stunning depth, the 2022 stains the palate with layers of dark fruit, mocha, new leather and cedar. The 2022 starts to blossom with just a bit of time in the glass, leading to a finish that explodes on the back end. As has been the case for some time, the differences between Montevertine and Pergole Torte are increasingly mostly about style. The 2022 spent a year in Damy French oak barrels followed by a second year in cask. It will require a number of years to shed some baby fat to be at its most expressive.
98 pts James Suckling: A spicy and deep wine with licorice and bergamot aromas. The fruit is bright and layered, with plums and red cherries. But it’s on the palate where you feel the quality of this wine. It’s full-bodied with ripe, velvety tannins and long, refreshing acidity. Polished aftertaste. Made for the long haul, but also very drinkable now. Drink or hold.
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