Did you know that on our shelves you'll find an Italian wine made by a Wirralian in Tuscany? And as if that wasn't cause enough for celebration here on the Wirral, the wine he produces is outrageously good and you absolutely have to try it - the Montecalvi Chianti Classico 2018 vintage is now on our shelves and is outstanding!

OUR MAN AT MONTECALVI

Montecalvi's wine maker Tim Manning began his wine career at Oddbins in Prenton, and two decades ago he left this glorious peninsula on a quest to get involved in a grape harvest. His love of Italian wine took him to Tuscany after, amongst other things, having read Nicolas Belfrage’s book, Life Beyond Lambrusco. Tim's first harvest was at Riecine, and he has since made wine in Martinborough in New Zealand and Oregon in the US. He also helped set up the wineries Il Borghetto and Valdonica in Tuscany and now finds himself at Montecalvi.

Wine has been made at Montecalvi since the 15th Century but it has only been an independent estate since the 1980s, currently owned by the Drake family, also of Collato Wines in South Australia. The Montecalvi vineyards have been updated with old vines being restored and indigenous Italian grapevines being replanted. Plus the estate is now designated organic thanks to a sustainable approach to land management.

WHAT WAS SPECIAL ABOUT THE 2018 VINTAGE?

Coming hot on the heels of the much lauded 2016 vintage, the growing conditions for the grapes were almost perfect throughout the season. With a great selection of grapes to hand and a visionary winemaker at the helm (Tim was one of the first winemakers in the region to bring whole bunch fermentation back to Sangiovese). The wine was fermented for 30 days in stainless steel tanks then racked off and aged for 18 months in oak tonneaux before spending 6 months in bottle.

SO WHAT DOES THE 2018 TASTE LIKE?

Incredibly aromatic with notes of black cherry, fig, plum and a light dusty note that good Sangiovese gives to the wine. The palate is fine and elegant with black cherry, damson, cedar wood and notes of old leather-bound books. A classy Chianti Classico, which, although drinking now, will age nicely over the next five to ten years.

Call into store in Heswall or Frodsham or order a bottle here online - Montecalvi Chianti Classico