Valentini Monteregio Rosso 2014

In southwest Tuscany there is a teensy-weensy wine-producing region called Maremma, where lies the ancient castle of Monteregio, overlooking the Maremann plain. It is in this enviably lovely stretch of the Italian coast that Gianni Valentini makes wine, with great respect for the region's traditions, even naming this wine after the castle. A traditional style Sangiovese blend, it has with soft tannins, bramble and hedgerow berry flavours and just a hint of vanilla toastiness. This is everything that you would expect from a good Tuscan red but without the frequently hefty price tag.

The Valentini family purchased the Podere Fordaliso estate in 2005; the esate dates back to the 1950s. The vineyard is located in the hills of Massa Marittima, the vines are grown on a south facing slopes. There is an old castle overlooking the Maremman plain which gives the vineyard its name.

The winery makes wines that are both traditional and innovative, to be enjoyed by wine enthusiasts and novices alike. The wine making process involves bringning together; Maremma traditions, respect for nature and understanding of the environment and the seasons.

In 1999 Gianni Valentini began his journey as a wine maker; he started out as a partner and manager of a winery in Livorno, Northern Tuscany. This experience in wine making led to him buying the Podere Fordaliso in 2005 which he now runs as a family wine business with his two children, Luca and Chiara.

The grapes in this Monteregio are hand harvested from the slopes of Maremma. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine spends some time in barriques to end some extra structure to the wine. This Sangiovese blend is rich, ruby red in appearance and laden with red fruit; cranberries, red plums and hedgerow berries. There is a notable vanilla toastiness which comes from the time that it has spent in barriques. This wine would be perfect with slow cooked lamb.