Querciabella Mongrana

Querciabella Mongrana is a certified organic and vegan red blend from Maremma Toscana IGT, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2023 vintage earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the wine has been named to Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the World list in 2013, with additional Top 100 Value selections in 2019 and 2020—a rare streak of recognition for a Tuscan red at this tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Maremma Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy  |  Style: Organic, Vegan Super Tuscan Blend  |  Producer: Querciabella

Production & Heritage

Querciabella farms biodynamically at Alberese in the province of Grosseto, a warm coastal zone within the broader Maremma Toscana appellation. Mongrana is a multi-varietal blend built around Sangiovese, with supporting roles from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Petit Verdot—up to nine varieties in total depending on the vintage. Gentle fermentation takes place in stainless steel, after which the wine undergoes élevage in cement vats for a minimum of ten months; a small selection matures separately in barriques for the same period before being incorporated into the final blend. The deliberate avoidance of prominent oak aging preserves bright fruit and mineral freshness, distinguishing Mongrana from the more extracted, barrique-heavy Super Tuscans that dominate the market.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vibrant morello cherry and blackberry lead, followed by a complex wave of kirsch, blueberry, and subtle liquorice. Behind the fruit, delicate floral and herbal tones—ivy, pine needles, wild thyme—add layers that recall the Mediterranean scrub surrounding the vineyards.

Taste: The entry is juicy and refreshing, with ripe dark cherry and mulberry flavors expanding across the mid-palate. Tannins are finely polished and well integrated, lending structure without grip. At its peak, a savoury mineral streak and hints of red spice give the wine a compelling tension between ripeness and restraint.

Finish: Medium-long and clean, with persistent mineral notes and lingering dark fruit. A damp, almost stony salinity emerges at the very end, echoing the wine's coastal Maremma origins.

How to Drink Mongrana

Mongrana is best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F). Its polished tannins and bright acidity make it equally enjoyable on its own or alongside food, and it rarely needs decanting unless opened young. While primarily a food wine, it also stands up well in red wine cocktails: a Sangria Roja benefits from the wine's berry intensity and herbal complexity; a Kalimotxo gains unexpected depth from its mineral backbone; and a simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water highlights the wine's natural freshness without masking its character.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinners where you want a serious wine without a serious price tag
• Introducing someone to Super Tuscan blends without oak-heavy intensity
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who values organic and vegan production
• Summer grilling sessions—the bright acidity and ripe fruit pair naturally with charred meats and vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mongrana taste like? Mongrana delivers ripe morello cherry, blackberry, and mulberry flavors with well-integrated tannins and a savoury mineral finish. It balances fruit-forward richness with a refreshing acidity uncommon in wines from warmer Tuscan zones.

How does Mongrana compare to Le Volte dell'Ornellaia? Both are multi-varietal Tuscan blends positioned as accessible introductions to the Super Tuscan category, but Mongrana takes a distinctly unoaked approach with cement-vat élevage, resulting in a brighter, more mineral-driven profile, while Le Volte incorporates oak aging for a rounder, more structured style.

Is Mongrana good for sipping neat? Mongrana works well on its own, thanks to soft tannins, balanced acidity, and layered aromatics that reward attention without demanding decanting or prolonged aeration.

Where is Mongrana made? Mongrana is produced by Querciabella at their estate in Alberese, within the Grosseto province of Tuscany's Maremma coast, and is classified under the Maremma Toscana IGT appellation.

What foods pair well with Mongrana? Grilled lamb chops complement its herbal and mineral notes; pappardelle with wild boar ragù echoes its Tuscan roots; roasted eggplant and bell pepper work with the wine's ripe fruit; aged pecorino draws out its savoury finish; and wood-fired pizza with tomato and fresh mozzarella matches its bright acidity.

What sizes does Mongrana come in? Mongrana is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, with some vintages also released in magnum (1.5L) format.

Is Mongrana worth the price? Mongrana positions squarely as a premium-value Super Tuscan, delivering complexity and critical recognition—including multiple Wine Spectator Top 100 appearances—at a price point well below most estate-level Tuscan blends, making it one of the stronger values in Italian wine.

Why Mongrana?

Few wines in the Super Tuscan category manage to land on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list three times while maintaining a value positioning. Mongrana's unoaked, cement-vat élevage is a deliberate departure from the heavily wooded style that defines much of the category, and the result is a wine that tastes of its coastal Maremma origins rather than its winemaking. Certified organic and vegan, it reflects Querciabella's biodynamic philosophy without compromising on structure or aging potential. For anyone seeking a serious multi-varietal Tuscan red that prioritizes freshness, terroir, and transparency of production, Mongrana consistently delivers.