Montepeloso "A Quo" Costa Toscana IGT '23

When Fabio Chiarelotto, a trained historian, purchased the Montepeloso estate in 1998, it was already well on its way to international stardom. Chiarelotto could have rested on that reputation, but he knew in his heart that the estate was only beginning to reach its potential.
Montepeloso draws from hillside vineyards around the town of Suvereto. The zone’s petrified clay soils, and its proximity to the sea, give a startling intensity of flavor to wines. It’s little wonder that a half dozen estates have sprung up over the past 20 years though, by contrast, most are planted in the heavier clays of the valley floor.

For eight long years, Chiarelotto reshaped the estate’s vineyards. While early progress was steady, the 2006 vintage marked the beginning of this estate’s “mature phase.” The vineyards were finally rehabilitated, and Fabio had settled on a mix of varieties ideally suited to express the essence of Suvereto and Montepeloso. His experiments in winemaking and élévage had shown him the right balance for each wine. (Background info courtesy of the importer Rare Wine Co)

First introduced with the 2008 vintage, “A Quo” is raised in neutral wood and blended from all the estate’s fruit, including mostly Sangiovese along with smaller amounts of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Marselan, and Alicante Bouschet. Medium plus in body, the wine offers aromas of dark-berried fruit, roses, and dried savory herbs, finishing with freshness and verve.