2023 J.G. Benda Rosso di Montalcino

Wild cherry, red berries, fine floral nuances, and a persistent minerality with silky tannins and fresh acidity — pure, light, almost fragile in the best sense. 100% Sangiovese from multiple high-altitude vineyards at around 500 meters on galestro, red clay, and sandstone. Hand-harvested, destemmed, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeast, no temperature control, manual pump-overs. Aged in large Slavonian and French oak casks, unfiltered, minimal sulfur. Racked by the lunar calendar. 520 cases produced plus 77 magnums. John Benda's inaugural vintage was 2021 — he rented winery space, bought equipment, and started from nothing. The 2023 was harvested in early October slightly before full ripeness to preserve freshness, resulting in a lower-alcohol, classic-style Rosso. This is only his third vintage and the wines are already generating serious attention.