Amore e Magia Brunello di Montalcino Podere Le Ripi 2018Podere Le Ripi is a biodynamic estate on the eastern side of Montalcino, where Sangiovese grows on a mix of sandstone and clay that tends to give wines both structure and aromatic lift. Their Brunello Amore e Magia comes from some of their higher elevation vineyards and is made in a distinctly traditional style, with long, slow ageing that emphasises purity over oak imprint. The 2018 opens with a luminous ruby colour shifting toward garnet at the rim.

A star already but certain to reward further time in the cellar

crowd-pleasing red with plenty of personality

The skill of the winemakers has been known for many years and they make their wines with the native Broad-leaved Melnik vine and Early Melnik vine grape varieties that are grown only in this part of the world along the Struma valley

it is smooth

Its sumptuous cherry and dark fruit flavours are accompanied by a substantial weight of fruit

fish and chicken laksa (with chilli

A gentle south-facing slope on clay heavy limestone

South-facing slopes at 450-650 metres altitude give the site outstanding sun exposure with cool mountain winds

balance and a modern

this sparkling rose delivers abundant peach

leather and garrigue

complemented by subtle oak and tobacco nuances