Red Soils House Red: Sassotondo Tuforosso
We’ve all had peak experiences that shine bright in our memories—exotic trips, exquisite meals, rare encounters with extraordinary individuals, that one perfect sunset. As a wine professional, I’ve had my share of peak wine experiences—rare Grand Cru Burgundies, a bottle of Birth-year Port, wine from 150-year-old vines. These are one-of-a-kind experiences, and I count myself lucky to have had them. But it is, by definition, not what I do every day, no matter how romanticized the life of a wine importer may be.
Most of the time, I’m just looking for that everyday comfort, like the broken-in pair of jeans, the favorite album I know by heart, or simple comfort food casserole. It’s the daily habits and creature comforts that make up the fabric of our lives. And when it comes to what to drink in the evenings, it's no different; I’m usually looking for a solid, comforting everyday red that feels like the perfect sweater you’ve worn a thousand times.
So on our travels, that's something Dan and I always keep a special eye out for. In between tasting new grape varieties in out-of-the-way locales, we are always looking for that hidden gem that strikes the right balance of intrigue, value, and familiarity. And sometimes they pop up when you least expect them.
A few weeks back, we offered one of our favorite “unheard of” grapes—Ciliegiolo from Sassotondo. Carla and Edoardo have made it their specialty and have made some stunning wines with it. In fact, we tasted no less than 7 different bottlings of Ciliegiolo with them last year. But tucked into the lineup was another red, that caught my attention - simply called Tuforosso.
Among Carla and Edoardo’s 12 hectares of vines are small blocks dedicated to a few other varieties. Being in Tuscany, it’s no surprise there is Sangiovese, but also Merlot, and less obviously a variety called Teroldego, from Carla’s native Alto-Adige. It’s from these vines that they craft what I think is one of the finest everyday reds we've come across.
Sassotondo 'Tuforosso' 2022 Marema Toscano IGT
A blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, and 20% Teroldego
Made in stainless steel tanks for freshness and purity of fruit
Handpicked estate fruit, vinified separately, then blended for balance
Ready to drink, versatile, and generous
Intense nose of red fruits and plum, with warm spices, rich mid-palate, and a smooth dry finish
This one really has everything going for it. I love the bright red fruit aromatics of Sangeovese, and the inviting mid-palate of Merlot, while the Teroldego adds deep color and spice. This can accompany pretty much anything you want to pair with it, from weeknight bowls of pasta, a simple roast chicken, to whatever you've got on the grill. The all-stainless steel production means this is full of freshness, and is oh-so-easy to sip! One to have on hand for any occasion.