Chiara Condello Predappio Sangiovese Piccolo 2017

Sangiovese from Romagna often gets forgotten behind the more famous examples from Tuscany, such as Chianti and Brunello. But in the right hands the wines from Romagna can top them and be better value like this example, made from organic fruit and hands-off winemaking followed by aging in traditional Slavonian oak casks.

It starts off a little shy but comes good in the glass with beautifully pure cherry aromas. Cherry pip and cherry flesh with a pretty, almost floral, lift and faint earthy edge give an immediate drinkability. There is then Tuscan-like understated power on the palate – layers of savoury red berry and spicy fruits are supported by decent grip to a long and chewy finish. It’s bigger than expected and is a good example of the various shades of sangiovese found throughout Italy.