To be released in a few months time, I’m gearing up to buy the 2015 Pian del Ciampolo by the caseload. I recommend you do the same. Stock up for when you have family and friends hanging out in the kitchen for a convivial cook-off. The warm 2015 vintage was very kind to Montevertine thanks to its cooler vineyard sites in the high hills of Radda in Chianti. The entry-level Pian del Ciampolo represents a second selection of fruit with the best fruit dedicated to Le Pergole Torte. (Now there’s a wine I can’t wait to taste.) It is mostly Sangiovese with smaller parts Colorino and Canaiolo. It is fermented with ambient yeasts in cement vats, later to age in large oak cask for one year. The wine opens to a darkly saturated color and evident richness. Martino Manetti says his wines show a little more alcoholic power in this vintage compared to his neighbors. Ripe fruit flavors taper out on the finish to conclude with elegant tones of dusty mineral. This is a great deal from Tuscany.