94 Points, Vinous: The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice and incense lend notable aromatic nuance. This Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a ton to offer. Bright acids pull it all together in style.
The name of this wine comes from the passo found in the circular forest at the highest point of the Montebello vineyard where an Estruscan tomb was uncovered only a few years ago. From here there is a clear view of Montepulciano, Montalcino, and the tower of Piazza del Campo in Siena. This has clearly been a magical place for centuries, which adds to the mystique of this passo. Grapes are first selected during harvest in the vineyard and then by an optical sorter when they arrive at the winery; they are destemmed and the whole berries are immediately placed in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to perform fermentation. The must is kept in contact with the skins for 20 days. The wine spends 14 months in French oak fermenters and in French oak barriques, 6 of which are spent on the fine lees.
Grape varieties: Equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Altitude: 320m ASL Vineyard age: 20-year-old vines Exposure:
South Soil: Lime and clay, with a considerable presence of gravel
Tasting notes: Spicy notes of oak rise above distinct aromas of cherry and berry. The palate has a backbone of Sangiovese, a roundness of Merlot and enhanced body from the Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit purity and varietal signatures are testament to the meticulous care given to the vines.
