Monteraponi - Rosso Baron Ugo 2016 (750ml)
Price: $128.99
Producer | Monteraponi |
Country | Italy |
Region | Tuscany |
Varietal | Sangiovese |
Vintage | 2016 |
Sku | 66128 |
Size | 750ml |
Monteraponi Description
Monteraponi is more than just a winery, it’s an ancient medieval village just outside of the heart of Radda, built around three towers dating back to the 10th century. The entire property extends over an area of two hundred hectares set in a natural amphitheater, which is exposed to the south and sheltered from the north winds. Of those two hundred hectares only twelve are planted to vineyards. Another eight hectares are olive trees and the remaining land is covered with towering, ancient oak and chestnut trees. If that sounds like paradise, it’s because it is.
Baron' Ugo is on average a 40 year old vineyard planted in a marl and limestone/clay based soil. Fermentation takes place in cement tanks, followed by a maceration of around 45 days. The wine is aged in 3,000 liter oak barrels for 36 months, and is bottled without being fined or filtered.
The first vintage of Baron'Ugo was 2006 but the vineyard's history as a single vineyard bottling goes back to 1974. From 2006 to 2011 the wine was a Chianti Classico Riserva. In the 2012, which has been very particular vintage, the color was very light and alcohol was only 12.5%. As a result, the consortium did not grant it Chinati Classic Riserva status. Since then Michele has labeled it an IGT Toscano Rosso and not applied for a higher designation. The winemaking has stayed the same since the first vintage with the only change being since the 2012 it has been bottled in a Burgundy shaped bottle.
Wine Advocate: 94+ Points
The Monteraponi 2016 Baron'Ugo (made with organic fruit) is one of the banner wines of Radda in Chianti that captures the soul of this cool and elevated subregion. This is indeed a spirited wine that showcases bright berry and wild cherry with crushed flower, dried porcino mushroom and pleasant earthy tones. The bouquet is light and delicate; however, the wine delivers precise and sharp delineation to the palate, where it leaves long, fruit-driven intensity. Pretty tones of campfire ash and spice appear at the back. Baron'Ugo should continue to evolve and improve with time.
Vinous: 92 Points
The 2016 Baron'Ugo is plump, juicy and forward. It is not quite as complex as some of the other wines in the range, but the purity of the fruit and the wine's translucency make for a compelling taste of Radda. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and ripe red berry fruit meld into the soft finish.