Mastro Janni Rosso Di Montalcino 2018

Mastrojanni Rosso Di Montalcino 2018 is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany's Montalcino zone, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 91 points by James Suckling and 90 points by Wine Spectator, this vintage represents one of Montalcino's most respected estates at an accessible entry point into the appellation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Mastrojanni

Production & Heritage

Mastrojanni's vineyards sit in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, the southeastern corner of the Montalcino municipality in the Province of Siena. The soils here are a distinctive blend of limestone, clay, Pliocene sands, and volcanic stones — a geological fingerprint shaped by proximity to the extinct volcano Mount Amiata. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in concrete tanks before aging for six to seven months in large 54-hectoliter Allier oak barrels, a vessel size that imparts subtle structure without overwhelming the Sangiovese fruit. This approach preserves the varietal's signature acidity and aromatic transparency while allowing the terroir to express itself clearly.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Violets and fresh red cherry lead the nose, followed by a tobacco-leaf undertone and a faint balsamic edge. There is an appealing lift of strawberry and pomegranate as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy with bright cherry and raspberry fruit, supported by lively acidity. Mid-palate, smoky berry flavors emerge alongside a vanilla accent from the Allier oak aging. The tannins are compact and well-integrated, giving the wine a medium-bodied frame that feels precise rather than heavy.

Finish: A distinct clay mineral note anchors the close, joined by traces of burnt orange peel. The finish is moderate in length with a clean, slightly saline quality that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Rosso Di Montalcino 2018

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) with fifteen to twenty minutes of air to let the aromatics fully emerge. This is a wine that rewards drinking on its own but truly shines at the table. Pair it with a classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina — the acidity and tannin stand up to charred, well-seasoned beef. Wild mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, mineral side of the wine. Pasta with slow-cooked ragù mirrors the cherry-fruit core and integrates beautifully with the smoky oak undertones.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinner with grilled meats or hearty pasta
• Introducing someone to Montalcino Sangiovese without the price of Brunello
• Building a Tuscan wine collection across multiple vintages
• Gifting to a red wine lover who appreciates terroir-driven Italian reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mastrojanni Rosso di Montalcino taste like? It is a medium-bodied Sangiovese dominated by fresh cherry, raspberry, and violet flavors with compact tannins and a mineral-driven finish. Subtle smoky and balsamic accents add complexity without heaviness.

How does Mastrojanni Rosso compare to Argiano Rosso di Montalcino? Both are well-regarded Rosso di Montalcino producers frequently cited together as dependable benchmarks for the appellation. Mastrojanni's use of large-format Allier oak and its volcanic-influenced terroir in Castelnuovo dell'Abate tend to yield a wine with more pronounced mineral and earthy character compared to some peers.

Is Mastrojanni Rosso good for sipping on its own? Yes — its bright acidity, juicy fruit, and moderate tannins make it an approachable and satisfying wine to drink neat, especially with a brief period of aeration.

Where is Mastrojanni Rosso made? Mastrojanni is located in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, the southeastern corner of Montalcino in the Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy. The estate's vineyards sit near Mount Amiata on soils of limestone, clay, and volcanic stone.

What foods pair well with Mastrojanni Rosso? Grilled lamb chops complement its smoky, herbal side. Aged pecorino cheese echoes the mineral finish. Eggplant parmigiana matches the wine's acidity and medium weight. Slow-braised pork shoulder works with the cherry fruit and integrated tannins. Simple wood-fired pizza Margherita is a natural pairing for the bright Sangiovese character.

What sizes does Mastrojanni Rosso come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.

Is Mastrojanni Rosso worth the price? Mastrojanni Rosso di Montalcino positions as a mid-value entry into one of Tuscany's most prestigious appellations. With 91 points from James Suckling and 90 from Wine Spectator, it delivers critical recognition and estate-level quality that competes well within the Rosso di Montalcino tier — essentially offering a glimpse of Brunello character without the extended aging or cost.

Why Mastrojanni Rosso Di Montalcino 2018?

What separates this wine from many Rosso di Montalcino bottlings is the specificity of its terroir — volcanic soils near Mount Amiata layered with limestone and clay produce a Sangiovese with uncommon mineral depth at this price tier. The 2018 vintage in Montalcino was widely regarded as a strong year, and Mastrojanni's fermentation in concrete followed by aging in oversize Allier oak barrels preserves that vintage quality without masking it. Two respected critics scored this wine 90 points or above, placing it among the more consistently praised Rosso di Montalcino producers. For anyone exploring Montalcino Sangiovese or looking for a serious Tuscan red for everyday drinking, this bottling delivers well beyond its classification.