From the beginning, Suvereto’s challenge to Bolgheri (as Tuscany’s premier source of Super Tuscans) has come from just two adjacent estates: Montepeloso and Tua Rita (both of whom we happen to represent).

The properties enjoy two of the best terroirs in Italy:  Montepeloso on a gentle hillside of chalky gravel and clay, and Tua Rita in heavier clay below.  Climatically warmer than interior Tuscany – and possessing an uncanny similarity to the famed slopes of St. Emilion – this locale naturally limits yields and is capable of producing wines with great concentration.

Under the direction of the original owners, Montepeloso established itself as one of Tuscany’s most impressive estates, earning a coveted five-star rating from American wine guru Robert Parker.  In 1998 the estate was sold to Fabio Chiarelotto, a Swiss-Italian religious scholar and academic historian.  While Chiarelotto was entranced by the wines being produced, he was convinced that they fell short of the terroir’s full potential.

A unique site is important for the production of great wine; just as critical is an inspired winemaker. The introspective Chiareletto had little interest in the opinions and guidance of fashionable enologists; instead, he was determined to follow his own path.  Within a year of the purchase, Chiarelotto embarked on a dramatic and complete overhaul of the vineyards – retraining or regrafting thousands of vines.  He was willing to sacrifice production for a few vintages if it would result in greater wines.  In the cellar, Chiarelotto experimented with ways to soften the tannins, refine the aromatics and better integrate the oak.  With each succeeding vintage, he is getting closer to his ideal.

On offer this week is the 2012 Montepeloso Eneo.   The estate’s basic Rosso was renamed Eneo for the 2000 vintage.  This wine has emerged as something special in its own right since Chiarelotto’s arrival, and the new name celebrates that fact.  It remains primarily Sangiovese and Montepulciano, with smaller amounts of Alicante and Marselan, and is aged in 2nd and 3rd year French barrique.  It remains a pure and powerful, yet elegant example from this heralded zone of Tuscany.

The 2012 Montepeloso Eneo is available for immediate delivery.  There are a scant 30 cases of this beautifully crafted wine on offer.  To order please e-mail or call us. This wine is HIGHLY recommended!

2012 Montepeloso Eneo $64.75 btl / $388.50 cs (case of 6 x 750ml)This wine has a deep, rich colour and is almost opaque in the glass. The nose is opulent and intense with predominantly black fruit in evidence. The pronounced minerality is accompanied by toasted aromas of hardwood and spices, licorice and leather. The palate is silky and well balanced with an extremely long finish.  This wine is absolutely stunning!Drink:  Now – 2025Food Pairing: Grilled red meats; poultry; duckAccolades:An alluring combination of black currant, black cherry, licorice, spice and mineral melds seamlessly with the firm structure in this powerful, harmonious red.  Long and approachable now, but should cruise for several more years in the cellar. Wine Spectator, March 1, 2016   92 points The 2012 Eneo is striking.  Fresh, nuanced and beautifully delineated in the glass, the 2012 possesses gorgeous energy and class.  Sweet red cherries, plums, violets, tobacco, game and spices meld together effortlessly.  This is one of the more understated Maremma wines readers will find in 2012.  Sweet floral, game and pipe tobacco notes add aromatic intrigue on the close.  Although the 2012 doesn’t have the structure of the top wines in this range, the Eneo offers terrific freshness and aromatic complexity, especially within the context of the year.  The Eneo was aged exclusively in neutral oak, which also helps preserve aromatic freshness. Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 1, 2015,   93 points