Fattoria di Montechiari Toscana Rosso 2021

Fattoria di Montechiari is a small, family-owned winery located in the historic hills of Montecarlo, Tuscany, near Lucca. Founded in the 1970s by Moreno Panattoni and Catherine Pirmez, the estate was lovingly restored on the ruins of a 14th-century fortress, blending Moreno’s passion for history and wine. With the guidance of renowned oenologists Giacomo Tachis and Stefano Chioccioli, they replanted the vineyards with both local and international varieties. When I visited in June 2025, I was struck by the estate’s 360° views, its unique microclimates, and the warmth of the family. Today, Montechiari produces five BIO-certified, handcrafted wines from 11 hectares of organically farmed vines—each bottle a true expression of their land, passion, and commitment to quality.

The Rosso di Montechiari is a wine born from time, care, and deep respect for the land. Crafted from a hand-picked and carefully selected harvest, the grapes undergo a long maceration of about 30 days on the skins, allowing for maximum expression of fruit and structure. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barriques, followed by 12 months of bottle refinement. In the glass, it shows a lively ruby red color, while the nose reveals fragrant notes of blackberry and plum, wrapped in gentle hints of oak. On the palate, it is refined and balanced, with silky tannins and a smooth texture that carries the fruit without ever becoming overpowering. The finish is fresh, persistent, and pure.

The 2021 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by a dry, sunny, and stable growing season, producing wines with great concentration, structure, and aging potential. After a cold and dry winter, the region experienced a warm spring with little rain, which led to even flowering and fruit set. A summer of consistent heat and very limited rainfall followed, resulting in small, thick-skinned berries, especially for red varieties like Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.