Le Chiuse Rosso Di Montalcino 2020

Le Chiuse Rosso Di Montalcino 2020 is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV red wine made from 100% certified-organic Sangiovese Grosso grown on Montalcino's prized Montosoli hillside. Wine Enthusiast awarded this vintage 93 points, recognizing its polished elegance and savory depth — remarkable quality for a Rosso di Montalcino from a tiny production of just 13,300 bottles.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2020  |  Producer: Le Chiuse

Production & Heritage

Le Chiuse occupies vineyards on the north-east hillside of Montosoli at roughly 300 meters elevation — land that played a foundational role in the birth of Brunello di Montalcino. These plots were once part of the original Biondi-Santi holdings, and Ferruccio Biondi-Santi himself used fruit from this site to produce some of his earliest Brunellos in the late 19th century. Today, the estate grafts budwood from 60- to 70-year-old vines of the BS 11 Sangiovese clone — personally selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi for these vineyards — onto American rootstock. The Rosso follows the same winemaking process as Brunello but without the extended aging requirement, capturing the vineyard's character in a more immediate, approachable form from certified-organic fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe berry and violet lead the nose, followed by baking spice and a subtle whiff of mint. Beneath those primary notes, a smoky undercurrent of wild herbs, crushed rocks and rose petals adds complexity.

Taste: The entry is seamlessly silky, opening with juicy red cherry and raspberry compote before star anise and candied citrus emerge at mid-palate. Taut, refined tannins provide structure while tangy acidity keeps the fruit bright and lifted, with nuances of cassis and sour cherry deepening toward the finish.

Finish: Medium-long with a savory, mineral-driven close and lingering notes of black cherry, currant and a faint campfire smokiness. The tannins remain polished to the very end, leaving an impression of elegance rather than weight.

How to Drink Le Chiuse Rosso

This wine rewards most when served at 60–64°F in a large-bowled Burgundy glass, where its aromatic complexity has room to develop. It drinks beautifully on its own or alongside food, with no decanting strictly necessary though 20–30 minutes of air opens additional floral layers. While primarily a food wine, its bright acidity and moderate tannins make it versatile: try it with a classic Negroni Sbagliato riff using this as the sparkling-wine substitute for a richer take; alongside a Sangria Rossa where the cherry and spice character anchors the blend; or in a simple red wine spritz with sparkling water and an orange peel for warm-weather drinking.

Best For

• Gifting a Brunello enthusiast who appreciates Montalcino's history and the Biondi-Santi legacy
• Pairing with a multi-course Italian dinner where elegance trumps power
• Drinking now while cellaring a corresponding Brunello for future enjoyment
• Introducing serious Sangiovese to someone familiar only with Chianti Classico

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Le Chiuse Rosso taste like? It leads with juicy red cherry and raspberry compote supported by refined tannins and bright acidity, with secondary notes of star anise, violet and a smoky mineral quality that lingers through the finish.

How does Le Chiuse Rosso compare to Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino? Both wines share deep roots — Le Chiuse's vineyards were originally part of the Biondi-Santi estate, and the vines descend from the same BS 11 Sangiovese clone selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi. Le Chiuse tends toward a silkier, more floral expression from its Montosoli elevation, while Biondi-Santi's Rosso generally emphasizes austerity and structure in the classic house style.

Is Le Chiuse Rosso good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its polished tannins, layered aromatics and 93-point Wine Enthusiast score reflect a wine built to stand alone, though it also pairs exceptionally well with food.

Where is Le Chiuse Rosso made? Le Chiuse is located on the north-east hillside of Montosoli in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, at approximately 300 meters elevation. This sub-zone is considered one of Montalcino's most prestigious vineyard areas.

What foods pair well with Le Chiuse Rosso? Pappardelle with wild boar ragù mirrors the wine's savory depth; grilled lamb chops complement its herbal and smoky undertones; aged pecorino echoes its mineral character; roasted portobello mushrooms match the earthy complexity; and bruschetta with fresh tomato highlights the bright acidity.

What sizes does Le Chiuse Rosso come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the primary format available for this wine.

Is Le Chiuse Rosso worth the price? Le Chiuse positions in the upper tier of Rosso di Montalcino pricing, but the pedigree of its Montosoli vineyards, Biondi-Santi heritage clones, certified-organic farming, and limited 13,300-bottle production justify the premium within the category — especially given its 93-point critical recognition.

Why Le Chiuse Rosso?

Few Rosso di Montalcino bottlings carry this kind of historical weight. The vineyards at Le Chiuse directly link to the founding story of Brunello itself, producing fruit from the same Sangiovese clone that Tancredi Biondi-Santi hand-selected for this very site decades ago. The 2020 vintage captures that lineage in a polished, aromatic wine that over-delivers for its classification, earning 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. With only 13,300 bottles produced from certified-organic farming on one of Montosoli's most storied plots, this is one of the more compelling arguments that great Rosso di Montalcino can rival many producers' Brunello in sheer drinking pleasure.