MontevertineProducer from Tuscany, Italy

Montevertine is one of the most iconic wineries in Tuscany, nestled in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Founded in the early 1960s by Sergio Manetti, the estate is located in the small hamlet of Radda in Chianti. Montevertine began as a holiday home for the Manetti family, but it soon evolved into something much more significant when Sergio Manetti decided to plant vineyards and produce wine for personal consumption. The first wine was produced in 1971, and it was so well received that Manetti decided to dedicate himself fully to winemaking, turning Montevertine into a full-fledged winery.

From the beginning, Montevertine stood out for its dedication to producing pure Sangiovese wines, even when this was not the norm in Chianti, where blending with other varieties was common. Sergio Manetti was a traditionalist at heart, believing in the unique qualities of Sangiovese and its ability to express the terroir of Radda in Chianti. His vision was to craft wines that were both authentic and expressive, reflecting the true character of Tuscany.

Montevertine's vineyards are situated at an elevation of around 425 meters above sea level, benefiting from the cooler climate and well-drained soils that contribute to the elegance and complexity of their wines. The estate spans approximately 18 hectares, with a strong focus on organic farming practices. The vineyards are predominantly planted with Sangiovese, along with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino, two traditional Tuscan varieties that add complexity to the blends.

The winemaking at Montevertine is traditional and meticulous, with a focus on preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir. The wines are fermented in cement tanks using natural yeasts, followed by ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. This approach allows the wines to develop slowly and naturally, gaining complexity and depth over time.

Montevertine Le Pergole Torte: The Pinnacle of Sangiovese

Le Pergole Torte is Montevertine's flagship wine and is widely regarded as one of the finest expressions of Sangiovese in the world. First produced in 1977, Le Pergole Torte was a revolutionary wine for its time, being one of the first 100% Sangiovese wines produced in the Chianti region. At a time when the use of international varieties and blending was the norm, Sergio Manetti's decision to craft a pure Sangiovese wine was seen as bold and unconventional.

Le Pergole Torte is made from the estate's oldest and most prestigious vineyards, where the Sangiovese vines are meticulously tended to produce the best possible fruit. The wine is aged for two years in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barrels, allowing it to develop a perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins.

The result is a wine of extraordinary elegance and complexity, with aromas of red cherry, wild berries, and hints of tobacco and spice. On the palate, Le Pergole Torte is structured yet refined, with silky tannins and a long, persistent finish. The wine has a remarkable ability to age, with the best vintages continuing to evolve for decades.

Le Pergole Torte is more than just a wine; it is a symbol of Montevertine's commitment to tradition and excellence. The label, which features a portrait of a woman drawn by the renowned Italian artist Alberto Manfredi, has become iconic in its own right, representing the elegance and beauty of the wine within.

Today, Montevertine continues to be a benchmark for Sangiovese, producing wines that are revered by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world. The estate remains in the hands of the Manetti family, with Sergio's son, Martino Manetti, continuing his father's legacy of crafting wines that are true to their origins and timeless in their appeal.

---

Wines produced at Montevertine

Le Pergole Torte - The flagship wine of the estate

Montevertine - The estate’s second wine

Pian del Ciampolo - A more accessible, entry-level wine from Montevertine