Early Data Point: 2011 Rosso di Montalcino

~ The Mate Winery, Surrounded by Vines and Olive Groves ~

The Mate winery is about as picturesque as any scenic Tuscan vista.  These vistas seem to extend beyond terra to the artistic labels that adorn the winery's wares.  Just as importantly,  the quality behind the label awaits in the bottle. 

 

Today's article offers another glimpse at the newly released 2011 Rosso di Montalcino vintage that is beginning to surface on retailer's shelves. I spotlighted a few of these 2011's earlier this fall and the consistency of the examples I've reviewed has been noticeable with all wines scoring between 88-90 points. 

Tuscan weather in 2011 was hot and dry for much of the summer. The heat spiked noticeably in late August and many producers feared that grapes would be overripe and the resulting wines would lack freshness. Cooling temperatures arrived with rain at the end of August and those producers who waited to pick were rewarded for their patience.

Mate was rewarded.   The 2011 Mate Rosso di Montalcino is vibrant and fresh. The wine portrays a vivid violet to dark crimson color and displays aromas of crushed berry, cinnamon, dried herbs and turned earth.  On the palate, the fruit is ripe and well concentrated. Flavors essentially follow the nose and there is a sweetness here that illustrates the heat and ripeness of the vintage without being over done.  I sense a fine line was navigated in 2011 and I think my old axiom "producer over vintage" will be one that readers will want to remember once the vintage's wines are fully released in a few years.  The Mate Rosso finishes smooth with a touch of heat, and a lingering toasty spice note.  Good value.  90 points.  SRP~ $19.  Disclosure: This bottle was a producer provided sample.



~ 2011 Mate Rosso di Montalcino  ~

E vero!