Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rosso di Montalcino

Gaja is the name that put Barbaresco on the world map, and in 1994 the family bought Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino to do the same for Sangiovese. This Rosso di Montalcino comes from the same vineyards as their Brunello but is released younger, which makes it the approachable way into one of Italy’s great estates.

It pours a vivid ruby red. The nose is all Sangiovese: sour cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and a touch of leather and spice. On the palate it’s medium-bodied, fresh and lively, with polished tannins and a savoury, mineral finish that stays with you.

Drink now or over the next five years. Made for the table: pasta with ragù, roast pork, grilled lamb, aged pecorino, or a good pizza. Decant for half an hour if you can wait.