A beautifully classic Rosso from Montalcino, 2006 Lisini Rosso di Montalcino is a perfect example of why the Brunello version of Sangiovese has become so renown, even in it’s “lesser” form. The nose on this Rosso is calm, even reserved, with wafts of dark fruits and red cherries mingling with very subtle hints of earth, most notably new leather; a precursor for the tastes to come. On the palate one gets an immediate rush of very fine and dusty tannins, giving the wine immense structure without sacrificing one ounce of acidity or body, the impression one of finesse and integration rather than power. Soft berries and bright red cherries come next, but only briefly as if the wine cannot wait to show off it’s other characteristics. Surprisingly spice is next, a cigar box of cedar and tobacco that shows perhaps even some white pepper, before the main piece of the palate, the beautiful leathery sensation that truly great Sangiovese is famous for. This one goes on and on, the leather increasingly intense until more cherries burst forth,
“as if a bushel of cherries were seated on a new saddle in a tobacco barn.”
The long and lingering finish end the experience, marking this Rosso as one of the absolute steals of the store, a must buy for anyone that loves Old World wine.
Oh, and did I mention that this beauty is normally $37.99, but now this Lisini Rosso di Montalcino is only $19.99 at Wine World?