2023 Il Paradiso di Manfredi Rosso di Montalcino

Rosso di Montalcino is the youthful sibling to Brunello - sharing the same grape, terroir, and traditional technique, but spending less time in barrel. It's fresher and more immediate than Brunello, while retaining much of the same intensity and sublime complexity - which we think makes it one of the better bargains in the fine wine world.

A very aromatic nose shows bright sour cherry, wild strawberry, and red plum, with dried herbs, leather, and a rustic earthiness. On the palate there's complexity with pure fresh cherry, blackberry, liquorice and pepper. It's silky and elegant, food-friendly and ready to drink. Pair with mushroom and pancetta risotto or grilled lamb.

Il Paradiso di Manfredi is a small, biodynamic estate on the north-east facing terraces of Montalcino, farming around 3.5 hectares. The vineyard soils are rich with calcareous marine fossil, forcing roots deep for water and nutrients. The estate follows low-intervention practices in both vineyard and cellar, with hand-harvesting, wild fermentation, and ageing in large neutral oak casks. Family owned, the estate produces Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello, and Riserva, with the only difference between them being barrel time. The estate has gained a cult following and is named among the best Brunello producers in the region.