Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Produced only after an exceptional harvest, this Riserva is selected from the estate’s oldest vineyards in the northern sector of Montalcino. Individual vineyard blocks are monitored throughout the growing season. Blocks are selected and clusters tended to achieve consistent, optimal ripeness. Since Castello Romitorio was established in 1984, only ten vintages have been released.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese. The clusters are harvested meticulously by hand, with the best grapes sorted manually both before and after destemming.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks. A brief cold maceration precedes maceration at a higher controlled temperature. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, after which the wine rests so that it can be separated from the lees.
Ageing
The wine matures in oak for at least 24 months. Following bottling, it continues ageing in temperature-controlled cellars until release.
Tasting profile
The 2019 is described across its published assessments as bright ruby in colour and floral, with violet, magnolia, hawthorn, jasmine and lavender notes. Its fruit profile spans raspberry, currant, cherry, strawberry, plum, blueberry and blackberry, complemented by liquorice, cold smoke, cedar, spice, toasted almond, grilled herbs, earth, iron and flinty mineral nuances. The palate is medium-full, vibrant and finely textured, with juicy acidity and ripe, velvety to fine-grained tannins. Saline, savoury, citrus, herbal and mineral accents carry through a long finish.
Serving and pairing
For the 2019 vintage, one assessment recommends decanting when drinking it now or otherwise allowing several more years in bottle. Published drinking windows range from 2027–2045 and 2031–2040.
Vintage notes
The official archive presents the 2019, 2016 and 2015 vintages. The 2019 combines floral lift and red-to-dark fruit with smoke, spice, herbs and mineral tones, supported by lively acidity and polished tannins. The 2016 is portrayed as harmonious yet powerful, with floral, cherry, cedar, mint, spice and mineral notes and the structure for extended ageing. The 2015 shows ripe blackberry, cherry and plum alongside earth, iron, tobacco, cedar, flowers and savoury spice, framed by polished but substantial tannins.
Label / history
The white label features a small etching by Sandro Chia dating from the late 1970s, among his earliest figurative works. It portrays a young man carrying a walking stick. The image joins real and surreal elements and represents wisdom, knowledge, perseverance, patience, tradition and beauty—qualities associated with producing this Riserva.
