A rather conservative and old-fashioned Rosso di Montalcino showing some aged bark, cloves, mushrooms and earthy notes on the nose. Tight on the palate but lacks a bit of fruit and mid-palate definition. Lightly chewy at the end with an abrupt finish. Drink now.

The Bonacchi 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is a rather simple and stripped-down wine with soft cherry nuances that are backed by cured leather and smoky spice. The wine does not show much in the way of complexity or depth. It's just a simple, watered-down and easy Sangiovese to pair with an appetizer of arancini, or fried rice balls stuffed with meat. About 35,000 bottles were produced.

Here’s a very nice Rosso di Montalcino that is enhanced by sweet oak tones of spice, leather and dark tobacco. The wood element is noticeable but it doesn’t mask the fresh fruit tones of cherry and red currant. Drink this wine with wild mushroom risotto.——M.L.(8/1/2010)—— 88