Perazzeta
The Land
Azienda Agricola Perazzeta is located in Montecucco: Tuscany’s last unexplored wine region. The DOC is located in the southern part of the Tuscany wine region, nestled between Montalcino, home of the famous Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and Scansano, of the eponymous Morellino di Scansano DOCG. The vineyards are directly opposite the Brunello hillside (which explains the similarities between the two regions in their microclimate) and are planted on the slope of Mount Amiata, a prehistoric volcano.
The People
This little ‘family-affair’ (dad=winemaker; mum= administration; daughter=sales & marketing) is based in Montenero d’Orcia: a small hill-top medioeval village (inhabited by a grand total of 253 souls) and surrounded by a patchwork of woods, olive groves, pastures, arable land and vineyards crossed by narrow, bumpy lanes.
The Wines
“Sara” Rose’ IGT Toscana : Sangiovese grapes are harvested at the beginning of September (before full maturation has been reached) and slowly pressed until the juice start running red and immediately discarded.
The result is a pale rose’, fresh and zingy wine
“Alfeno” DOC Montecucco : blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon; vinified in steel with a ‘ripasso’ in ‘Licurgo’ barriques. It’s round and smooth with red fruit notes and nice structure: fantastic food companion that punches well above its price!
Best value for money wine in Gambero Rosso “BereBene” Guide
Sangiovese Montecucco DOCG “Terre dei Bocci” made from selected Sangiovese grapes and aged for 12 months in French oak barriques. Broad, dark and powerful with soft tannins and a long, luscious finish: a great expression of the Tuscan Sangiovese.
Sangiovese Riserva Montecucco DOCG “Licurgo”
A ruthless pruning of the best Sangiovese vines leaves less than 1 kilo of fruit per plant. Careful selection at harvest is followed by a long fermentation at a regulated temperature; the wine then matures for two years in French oak barriques and three more years in bottle. With this wine the similarities to a young Brunello abound: elegant, complex and well structured; with enticing aromas of sweet spices and a long, drying finish. Simply outstanding!
