A vibrant, approachable expression of Sangiovese from Montalcino, Capanna’s Rosso del Cerro 2023 offers the character of Tuscan Sangiovese in a fresher, more immediately accessible style than the estate’s Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello.
Produced from more than 90% Sangiovese, the wine undergoes a relatively short maturation in large oak casks, preserving its youthful personality of fresh cherry, red berries and subtle spice. Medium-bodied, lively and gently tannic, it is designed to be enjoyed young and around the table.
Producer: Capanna – Cencioni Family
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Area: Montalcino
Classification: Toscana IGT
Grape: Sangiovese >90%
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: Approximately 14–14.5%
Style: Fresh · Fruity · Medium-Bodied · Gently Tannic
Capanna is based in the Montosoli area north of Montalcino, where the Cencioni family has been producing wine since 1957. Its vineyards are located within approximately two kilometres of the cellar in an area historically regarded as one of Montalcino’s finest.
Nose:
Fresh and immediately inviting, with red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry at the forefront. As the wine opens, subtle darker berry, dried herb and gentle spice nuances emerge.
Palate:
Juicy and energetic, with ripe cherry and red berries supported by fresh Tuscan acidity. The fruit remains the focus, while brief maturation in large oak casks adds a touch of roundness and subtle savory complexity without dominating the wine.
Structure:
Medium-bodied and nicely balanced, with lively acidity and gentle Sangiovese tannins. Capanna describes Rosso del Cerro as medium-structured and slightly tannic, reinforcing its accessible, food-friendly character.
Finish:
Fresh and clean, with lingering red cherry, berries and subtle spice, finishing dry with a gentle savory note and fine tannic grip.
Rosso del Cerro is vinified specifically to retain its youthful fruit and freshness.
Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperature, with approximately 15–18 days of skin maceration. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation follows, also in stainless steel.
The wine is then matured for approximately 3–6 months in large 20–32 hectolitre oak casks, followed by a short period of bottle ageing. It is released only 6–8 months after harvest.
This relatively gentle élevage distinguishes Rosso del Cerro from Capanna’s more serious Montalcino wines and keeps the emphasis firmly on Sangiovese fruit, freshness and drinkability.
Capanna is a historic family estate situated in Montosoli, immediately north of Montalcino.
The Cencioni family acquired the property in 1957, and founder Giuseppe Cencioni was one of the 25 original founders of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino following the establishment of the Brunello DOC in 1966.
Today the estate remains family-run and produces approximately 80,000–100,000 bottles annually, ranging from Rosso del Cerro through Rosso di Montalcino to its Brunello, single-vineyard Nicco and Brunello Riserva.
The 2023 Rosso del Cerro is particularly appealing as a wine intended for early drinking. Rather than seeking the concentration and long-term structure required for Brunello, the shorter maceration and brief maturation emphasize the vintage’s fresh fruit and immediate accessibility.
Expect a youthful expression centered around cherry, strawberry and red berries, complemented by moderate tannins and the naturally refreshing acidity of Sangiovese.
Capanna Rosso del Cerro Toscana IGT 2023 is the most approachable introduction to the red wines of this historic Montalcino estate.
Predominantly Sangiovese, it offers plenty of Tuscan personality—fresh cherry, red berries, subtle herbs, bright acidity and gentle tannins—without the substantial structure or extended ageing associated with Brunello.
That makes Rosso del Cerro particularly attractive as an everyday Tuscan red: serious enough to reflect its Montalcino origins, but fresh and uncomplicated enough to open on a casual evening.
For customers discovering Capanna, I would position it as the natural starting point before moving through Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino and eventually Nicco.
2025–2030
Rosso del Cerro is deliberately produced for relatively early enjoyment, and I would favor drinking the 2023 over the next 3–4 years while its cherry and red-fruit character remains vibrant.
Serve at approximately 16–18°C. No extended decanting is necessary; opening the bottle 20–30 minutes before serving should be sufficient.
This is an exceptionally versatile food wine. Capanna recommends Rosso del Cerro with antipasti, pasta with meat ragù or mushrooms, roasted white meats, charcuterie and fresh cheeses.
I particularly like it with Pappardelle al Ragù, pizza with prosciutto and mushrooms, roast chicken, grilled pork, Tuscan salumi or Pecorino Toscano.
Its combination of fresh acidity and moderate tannin also makes it an excellent red wine for pizza and casual Italian dishes.
PAIR WITH:
Pappardelle al Ragù · Pizza · Mushroom Pasta · Roast Chicken · Grilled Pork · Tuscan Salumi · Pecorino Toscano
