2018 Castello Romitorio Rosso di Montalcino 750 ml

By the time the dinner bell rang at Tuscany’s Castello Romitorio, the deal was done: We had routed an allocation of the mouthwatering, long and lingering 2018 Castello Romitorio Rosso di Montalcino to Wine Access members. Now this formidable 91-point red value is here: From “Italian master” Carlo Ferrini (Giodo, Fonterutoli, Talenti) and one of our favorite Tuscan estates of all time, it’s just $22 per bottle!  

It’s incredible how much charisma Ferrini manages to pack into this bargain bottle. Sourced from younger vines at the same breathtaking estate that produces Romitorio’s Wine Access member-favorite Brunellos, it’s teeming with wild strawberries and fresh-picked raspberries, wrapped in violets and dried herbs, and boasting what Vinous calls a “remarkably long” finish. This 91-pointer is exactly what we want in a weeknight red. Serve it with anything from pizza and pasta to a perfectly seared steak—if you want something savory and satisfying but don’t want to break the bank with Brunello, this beautiful ensemble from the epic Montalcino landscape is for you.

Our trip to Tuscany was supposed to be all about Brunello. But just before February’s Benvenuto Brunello event in Montalcino, we joined an invite-only gathering at the magnificent Castello Romitorio. The select group admired every inch of the ancient fortress, and between the aromas wafting out of the 16th-century kitchen and walls covered with work by one of Italy’s most famous artists, everyone was completely captivated.

We were too—by the bright ruby Sangiovese that estate director Filippo Chia had poured when we’d arrived. Bursting with red berries, lively and spiced and beautifully structured, not even the stunning surroundings could distract us from three-time Winemaker of the Year Carlo Ferrini’s stellar 2018 Rosso di Montalcino. So before the whole group convened around the table laden with wild boar and old Brunello, we got our business out of the way. We pulled Filippo aside and inquired about an allocation. And knowing how Wine Access members have flipped for Romitorio all along the price spectrum, Filippo didn’t hesitate. 

Located in the hills of Tuscany, interspersed with forest teeming with wolves, deer, fox, and wild boar, the only thing more spectacular than Romitorio’s landscape is its story. It likely dates back to Roman times—first it was a temple, then a fortress and monastery, then a shelter for shepherds and their flocks. It was abandoned during WWII and sat in disrepair until the 1980s, when it was rescued from decay by Sandro Chia, one of the most famous artists in Italy. It goes without saying that Sandro, who held court as we admired his artwork, has returned the castle and its grounds to glory.

He’s also utilized the unparalleled talents of 100-point winemaker Carlo Ferrini to maximize the potential of the vineyards, and the 2018 Rosso di Montalcino shows exactly what Ferrini can do at the $20 mark.

Sourced from the estate’s young vines (which will someday likely bear Brunello), this 100% Sangiovese is hand-harvested and sorted before and after destemming. After ten months in oak, its red-fruited verve is accented by gorgeous spice, tobacco, and sage. Structured by a beautiful acid backbone and boasting an incredibly long finish, this packs an incredible amount of value into the bottle—enough to steal the show on a Brunello-based trip.