Umberto Cesari Sangiovese Riserva 2022

Sangiovese from Emilia-Romagna often gets overlooked as the lightweight cousin of Tuscany's offerings, but Umberto Cesari set out to put that right - and this Riserva does just that. Aged for 24 months in large oak barrels, it's all about rich, smoky black forest gateaux on the nose, with bold flavours of black cherry, mocha, cedar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's full and powerful, but nicely balanced with grippy tannins and a long, satisfying finish. If you've ever doubted Emilia-Romagna's Sangiovese, this might just change your mind.

With its bold character and sturdy tannins, this is spot on for rich game like venison or wild boar, hearty slow-cooked stews, or a wedge of aged hard cheese.

For Umberto Cesari, producing good wine in Emilia Romagna is a family tradition. It is here that Umberto and his wife Giuliana started their company in 1965, when they bought 20 hectares of land in the hills. Their ambition was to turn Sangiovese into a great wine, reflecting the typicity of the area. The winery has continually expanded and today the estate extends over 100 hectares divided into distinct vineyards; La Casetta, Parolino, Cà Grande and Laurento, each of which provides the perfect micro-climate for the vines planted. As pioneers of quality in Emilia Romagna, Cesari has gained international recognition and has been awarded IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year four times in the last 15 years.