Wine Review - Monte Antico

We have been buying this wine for a few months now whenever we see it. It is usually priced between $10-12 a bottle but tastes more like a $25-30 bottle.

It comes from Pisa and demonstrates that at least they can make one thing right.

Here is the info from the wine's web site:

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.

Vineyard Characteristics:

Terrain includes compact, fine-textured limestone, at an altitude of 1,312-1,476 feet; rocky, clayey/calcareous areas, also at altitudes around 1,350 feet; and clayey/siliceous/calcareous soil.

Vinification & Aging:

Soft-pressed; racked into stainless steel tanks Fermentation: At approx. 25°C (77°F), followed by maceration for 15-20 days Malolactic Fermentation: In stainless steel vats for 7 days. Élevage: 1 yr in oak (80% Slovenian barrels, 20% French barrique).

Tasting Notes:

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.