Tasting notes:

The Santadame parcels in Castellina-in-Chianti are named after the fresco painting of the Virgin Mary by the school of Ghirlandaio in the small family church. This Romitorio (‘Hermitage’) wine is a Master-medal winner not to be hidden away. Youthful, deep ruby-purple in colour, the wine exudes ripe brambles, cassis, plums and morello cherry fruit, accented by cigar box and creamy oak. Big and bold, the palate shows great flavour definition, with bright acidity and satin tannins. Rich, warming, lingering and complex, this is an excellent wine to pair with tournedos Rossini. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)