High Praise for Montepeloso’s 2018s
Under the direction of owner Fabio Chiarelotto, Montepeloso has established itself as one of Tuscany’s most exciting estates. For the last 20 years, Fabio has strived to produce wines with elegance and finesse, qualities difficult to achieve in the hot climate of Suvereto on the Tuscan coast. Slowly, Chiarelotto is receiving the rewards of his passion. The buzz that has been spreading through Europe over the past few years has leapt the Atlantic. A growing number of collectors see Montepeloso’s wines as the most beautiful, profound, and expressive of the Tuscan New Wave.
Antonio Galloni, of Vinous.com has reviewed the 2018s from Montepeloso and published his comments. If you like Super-Tuscans, then these ones are for you. He describes the 2018s from Montepeloso as:
“… off the charts, especially within the context of the year in which quality is variable across the region. I was especially impressed with the silkiness and finesse of the 2018s, two adjectives that don’t often come to mind with the wines of Suvereto. Like many growers, proprietor Fabio Chiarelotto believes everything comes down to July and August, in other words, the last two months of the year. Chiarelotto describes the summer as hot, but not excessively so, with the 70-80mm of rain that helps keep the vines from reaching the point of hydric stress. Nighttime temperatures were moderate, which is always a positive, especially in Maremma. Over the last few years, Chiarelotto and longtime consulting Fabrizio Moltard have taken these wines to an entirely new level by giving them greater finesse and nuance. One of the recent developments is a greater emphasis on 500-600 liter barrels from coopers Stockinger and Chassin, a change made with the goal of lowering the oak imprint. As for the wines, they are among the most impressive I tasted this year.”
Montepeloso 2018 A Quo
The 2018 A Quo is rich and explosive in the glass, with superb presence and tons of intensity, but all in the gracious style of the year. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit and spice are front and center. In 2018, A Quo is supremely delicious. Best of all, it remains a tremendous value in artisan wine. Score 92, Drink 2020-2028
Montepeloso 2018 Eneo
The 2018 Eneo, Montepeloso’s Montepulciano-based blend, is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, licorice, blood orange, star anise and rose petal. Bright and gracious, with terrific purity, the Eneo beautifully captures the understated, nuanced style of the year. It is a bit more red-toned than I recall from barrel. This is so nicely done. Score 94, Drink 2022-2033
Montepeloso 2018 Nardo
Proprietor Fabio Chiarelotto and longtime winemaker Fabrizio Moltard ratchet things up with their stellar 2018 Nardo. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, gravel, spice, underbrush, menthol, licorice and scorched earth give the 2018 its distinct, sepia-toned personality. Dark and brooding in the glass, with imposing tannins, the 2018 is a flat-out stunner. Give it a few years in bottle first. Nardo is built around a core of Sangiovese, with Montepulciano, Alicante and Malvasia Nera. Chiarelotto has reduced the presence of Montepulciano in the blend. If the 2018 is any indication, that choice looks to be spot on. Score 96, Drink 2022-2033
Montepeloso 2018 Gabbro
The 2018 Gabbro (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is quite possibly the most elegant wine I have ever tasted at Montepeloso. Inky black cherry, chocolate, grilled herb, licorice and menthol infuse the 2018 with fabulous depth. Even with all of its opulence, the 2018 remains so poised and light on its feet. The new oak needs just a bit of time to settle. There is little doubt the 2018 is an absolutely gorgeous wine in the making. It’s a reference point expression of Cabernet Sauvignon on the Tuscan coast. Score 96, Drink 2022-2033.
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