This red is sourced from their most shaded, coolest, and latest-harvested Modigliana vineyard. The Sangiovese clones planted there are believed to be unique to the site, and are lower-yielding. It’s got a gorgeous nose of black cherry, red plum, orange rind and roses, tinged with underbrush hints. The palate is extremely focused in its elegant red fruit flavor, vibrant acidity, and linear minerality. Lovely stuff, it needs some time in bottle to resolve its linear tannins. – J.R.

Sourced from a Sangiovese clone that produces thicker-skinned berries, planted on east-facing slopes at 440m a.s.l. The name refers to a local legend involving an American soldier stationed in Modigliana during WWII, who supposedly decided to settle in the region along with (for some reason) a pet monkey. When the monkey died, he apparently buried it near a well in the ronco (which I am assuming would now violate some regulations?), which is considered to be a “mystical” place. It starts with earth, dried orange peel, dried herbs, sour black cherry, plums, redcurrant, dried rose petal, and a rather serious nature all around. The elegant nose belies a powerful, forceful palate, with leathery tannins, and deep red fruit flavors. This has got serious stuffing in its structure; even the acidity feels serious! – J.R.