A Tuscan Red Wine Eruption

The Sassotondo winery is found on the outskirts of the Bolsena volcanic basin, and the volcanic compressed sandstone, “tufo”, is the leading element. All the vineyards grow on "tufo", all the houses are made of “tufo”, cellars are dug into the "tufo" stone, and in the middle of a field, rounded by the weather, stands the sassotondo, a big round stone made of, you guessed it, "tufo".

Nowhere in Tuscany is the landscape so clearly and dramatically volcanic. The eruptions over the years have made and compressed this landscape into what it is today and have indelibly put its fingerprint into every grapevine it touches, no matter what the variety.

And a variety is exactly what you get at Sassotondo. Apart from the Sangiovese, you may have never even heard of these grapes, but they are as important to the region as the local pici, the small pasta found on every menu in nearby Pitigliano. 

These are three of the most unique Tuscan reds to be found anywhere. As an introduction to the fine work of Carla and Edoardo at Sassotondo, we've wrapped them together into one mixed 3-pack so you can try them all.

Here they are: (with Carla's assistance on the tasting notes)

The Ciliegolo

Poggio Pinzo Maremma Toscana DOC 2020--A pure Ciliegiolo made in terra cotta amphorae. Carla says: "Its color is ruby red, of nice vivacity; the nose is intense with notes of sour cherry, cassis, mirth, flint. The taste is earthy and sapid and smooth thanks to tannins that are present but not aggressive and to a structure backed up by alcohol and a nice acidity."

The Sangiovese (and more)

Ombra Blu Sovana Rosso DOC 2021--A super unique blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Teroldego, the latter a grape native to Sudtirol where Carla is from. Carla says: "Red ruby color, very deep. The nose is large: small red fruits confiture, cider wood, and black pepper mix up to build up the bouquet. In the mouth, it is very warm and smooth, with sweet and round tannins; long but not heavy."

The Nocchianello Nero

Monte Rosso Maremma Toscana DOC 2020--This is the wine that made our friend Mike get out his journal and cross off an obscure grape variety name from his bingo list--Nocchianello Nero. It is truly local to nearby Pitigliano, and there are no known relatives to it anywhere else in the world. Carla says: "The wine is red ruby, bright, of medium intensity. The aroma displays spicy notes, white pepper, cassis, and nutmeg with a note of something wild. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied, with good acidity and non-aggressive tannins, good aromatic persistence, and tons of ground pepper."