Campogiovanni, Brunello di Montalcino 2020

A Brunello with a lovely fragrance; wild berries, plums, a touch of cedar, and a hint of old leather. Campogiovanni's vineyards bask in warmth on the southern slopes of Montalcino, where the sun and mix of soils help reliably ripen the grapes to perfection. Made entirely from Brunello (the local name for Sangiovese Grosso) it spends three years in large oak barrels, then another year in the bottle, allowing it to subtly mellow. It's got a rich, complex taste with a bit of spice, a good savoury depth, and a smooth, lingering finish.

A powerful red like this demands something robust and savoury - think slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with rosemary, or a rich venison stew. Enjoyable now and for a few more years to come.

Tenuta Campogiovanni, a sister estate to the respected Agricola San Felice, enjoys a favoured position on Montalcino's sun-drenched southern slopes. It's a classic Tuscan scene: vineyards interspersed with olive groves and woodlands across their 65-hectare property. Naturally, Brunello di Montalcino is their star player, with a smaller focus on Rosso di Montalcino. Campogiovanni's Brunello consistently earns its place among the region's top tier.