Cerbaiona Rosso di Montalcino 2023

Brooding fragrance with a deft lightness on the palate. Brown spice, dark liquorice, bouquet of mandarin, dried flowers and vibrant tension. Appealing silty tannins mixed with a mouthwatering finish. Excellent! Mitch Milicich

With roughly 7,000 bottles produced, the 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino comes from various parts of the vineyard, while the Brunello is drawn from the crest of the hill. It pours a bright ruby hue and opens with wild raspberries, violets, sweet herbs, and fresh, layered earth. Medium-bodied, it has polished tannins, refreshing acidity, and a saline, citrus-tinged finish that keeps it light on its feet. It should drink well over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036.

This was my first visit to the estate of Cerbaiona, where I met with Matthew Fioretti. Along with investor Gary Rieschel, they purchased this historic estate in 2015 from Diego Molinari and began a four-year process of uprooting, replanting, and extending the vineyards, which are now cultivated using the alberello method. They have also overseen the construction of a new underground cellar. The wines have a renewed focus on precision, clarity, freshness, and sense of place. It is immediately apparent that Mr. Fioretti brings a fastidious attention to detail from the vineyard to the glass, and I, for one, find this a welcome change that seems to be leading Cerbaiona to a potential place among the best of the region. - Audrey Frick (2/18/2026)