Querciabella’s must-try red, the Mongrana 2021, is a super-value Super Tuscan. These breakout blends from Italy, combining local Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot came about in the 70’s and 80’s as an act of rebellion by producers against restrictive Italian wine laws. Mongrana comes from the rugged coastal terroir in the Maremma DOC, about 100km south of Chianti Classico.
The ‘terrific’ Mongrana 2021 is a ‘beautiful edition’, writes Vinous. The breezy freshness, bright acidity and fresh fruit from the quintessential Italian variety, Sangiovese, perfectly balance the intense and velvety fruit from two Bordeaux varieties. It is vibrant and powerful, with juicy dark cherries, flowers and a zesty, saline finish on a medium-bodied frame.
Since its first vintage in 2005, the Mongrana Rosso has been praised by critics, featuring on lists such as the Top 100 Wines of the World, Top 100 Value Wines, from Wine Spectator, and most recently on James Suckling’s 12-wine list of Great Value Super Tuscans. ‘Tuscany’s diversity makes it one of my favourite regions to taste in Italy’, writes Eric Guido from Vinous.
Querciabella started in 1974 when Giuseppe ‘Pepito’ Castiglioni purchased a single hectare of vineyards on a Tuscan hillside. They planted in Maremma in 1997 and are known as ‘pioneers of sustainable viticulture in Italy’ (Susan Hulme MW). Today Pepito’s daughter, Mita Castiglioni, looks after their 92 hectares of vineyard in Chianti Classico and Maremma, all farmed with plant-based biodynamic principles.
Put simply, the Mongrana Rosso 2021, a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, is a must-try for any wine lover and pairs amazingly with most dishes – especially if there’s a bit of tomato, origanum and thyme in it.
Tasting Notes:
Querciabella Mongrana Rosso 2021
‘The nose is springtime in the English countryside, with fruit and flowers wafting over the aroma of cobblestones after a heavy rain. That mix of floral freshness and damp saltiness lingers onto the palate, while the tannins look on, before acid blows through like a strong wind.’ – Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100
‘It’s ripe with dark cherries, mulberries and jam. Also some hibiscus and red spices. Medium to full-bodied with taut but finely honed tannins and a juicy, soft character of dark fruit. A racy finish.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 93/100
‘The 2021 Mongrana is great. Bright and powerful, with marvellous purity of fruit, the 2021 is a delicious wine to drink in the short and medium term. Maturation in cement and steel keeps the flavours alive. This is a beautiful edition of Mongrana.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 91/100
