2021 Bira Nicolò Brunetto

Brunetto is part of a wonderful range from Federico Isgro and Santiago Bernasconi, made from an innovative assemblage of Sangiovese with 10% each of Syrah and Merlot. Fresh, bright and acid-driven, it has bramble and red cherry fruit, tealeaf tannins, subtle 20% new oak, savoury tannins and some underlying grip. A red that tastes as good as it looks.

The 2021 Nicolò Brunetto is a blend of 80% Sangiovese co-fermented with equal portions of Syrah and Merlot from the Uco Valley. Aged for 12 months in French barrels (one-fifth new), it's garnet-red with a cherry sheen. The nose offers faint oaky notes, mushrooms and undergrowth against a sour cherry backdrop. Tart and dry in the mouth, it establishes a delicate tension between the reactive tannins and high acidity, resulting in a layered palate in which the oak plays a supporting role. This is a long-lasting red wine that pays homage to Tuscany.