2021 Croce di Febo Appovento Rosso di Montepulciano

A meaty, savory expression of Sangiovese with a strong aroma of earth that pops from the glass. The fruit on the palate leans black fruited with a grainy texture. Pair with Marcella Hazan's spaghetti bolognese. 

Croce di Febo is Maurizio Comitini, winemaker at the estate since 1995.  Although the area has thousands of years of winemaking history, Comitini is relatively new to the tradition.  Maurizio’s mother was a professional dancer and his father was a doctor, so he is a first generation winemaker.  

The 4.4 hectares of vines range from 280m-530m in elevation.  The two highest vineyards are the ones found in town, which are also the oldest and most complex.  Western exposure for the most part. Everything has been certified organic since 2018 and is also biodynamic. Harvest takes place from a total of 10 parcels. No sulfites added at arrival to cellar and they use only indigenous yeasts. 

Vinification uses multiple vessels, including oak barrels from France, Hungary, and Italy, concrete eggs and tanks.  They add a small amount of SO2 after malo but before racking; most of the sulfites drop into the lees and are left behind.  Bottling occurs in accordance with the cycles of the moon.