Monte Antico Rosso Toscano 2007 - Deep ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate. Round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile with any fare from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese.

 

Monte Antico means ancient mountain in Italian.  In the world of fine wines, a unique combination of quality, reliability and value since 1977, this label belongs to Neil & Maria Empson, who launched the Super Tuscan five years after founding the Neil Empson Selections.  It was their special affinity to the heartland of Italy that led them to make their very own mark on Tuscan soil: with the Maestro of Italian winemakers, Franco Bernabei.  They have styled the Tuscan grape per eccellenza and expressed its ultimate potential, complimenting it with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The best selections are cherry picked according to harvest conditions in the individual terroirs and microclimates.  The blend for Monte Antico is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The best selections are blended and aged 1 year in oak (80% in Slovenian barrels, 20% in barrique) with at least 6 months bottle age.  This wine is consistently one of Italy's better values.