Tenuta di Montecucco Passonaia Vermentino 2019

Montecucco, just next door to legendary Brunello di Montalcino, is “Tuscany’s last unexplored wine region” where “conditions for wine growing are extraordinary” (Decanter). While Montecucco Sangiovese is giving pricey Brunello a run for its money, the story’s not just about red wine – and since Montecucco (of any color) remains rare in the U.S., this refreshing Vermentino proves it pays to have good friends in the right places.

Like all of our boutique producers, the talented Luca Marrone is very passionate about his craft (hence the local expression and name of this wine, ‘passonaia’). Vermentino, a northwestern Italian original, is known for intense, fruity aromas and tantalizing acidity. As you’ll taste, this classic expression of the grape delivers plenty of enticing citrus and tropical fruit, along with a zippy freshness that’ll have you coming back for more.

In Italy, Vermentino is a traditional partner for seafood. Great mates for this fine white include poached lobster, baked haddock, or clams casino. It’ll also work well with roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin, or vegetarian favorites like stuffed peppers or Middle Eastern-style lentils and rice. Or enjoy it on its own, as a mouthwatering aperitif.

But before you can get to the food pairing, you have to get your order in – don’t delay if you want to secure your share!