Querciabella Mongrana

Maremma Toscana, Italy

Vintage:2022 (Current)

2021 (Past) |

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Querciabella Mongrana 2022
  • WE 92
  • WS 90

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points December 1, 2024, Danielle Callegari

A sweet, floral, slightly tangy nose presents notes of cherry blossom, raspberry, potting soil, citrus peel and pepper. The fruit notes deepen on a palate of cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry jam and blood orange, as tannins grip at the edges of your tongue, before acid lifts a cool, peppery finish. 

Wine Spectator 90 Points October 31, 2024, Bruce Sanderson

Black cherry and plum fruit signals this rich, round red. Boysenberry, eucalyptus and lavender notes chime in as this remains focused on the long finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027.

Overview

Founded in 1974, Querciabella enjoys the acclaim of the world’s most discriminating critics and consumers for wines such as Camartina, Batàr, Palafreno and Querciabella Chianti Classico. In its uncompromising pursuit of quality, sustainability and authenticity, Querciabella has continually honed its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards located throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the mindful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural, winemaking.

First introduced with the 2005 vintage, Mongrana comes from the Alberese and Grosseto vineyards (20-50 meters above sea level) and has been organically and biodynamically grown since inception. The plant-based biodynamic approach has proven particularly suited to the acidic, iron-rich soils of Maremma, a mixture of silt and alluvial sand, sparse with areas of gravel and surface pebbles.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested in 9kg crates. In the cellar, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel vats. After malolactic fermentation, the wine undergoes élevage both in stainless steel and cement until it is blended to be bottled.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby red in the glass, the charm of Mongrana does not take long to reveal itself. Well-defined aromas of ripe fruit, morello cherry, blackberry and blueberry especially anticipate notes of kirsch, ivy, pine needles. As soon as the wine opens up in the glass, a more complex bouquet starts to emerge with slight hints of leather, coffee powder and cocoa enriched by a touch of liquorice. Juicy, fresh sip, with soft tannins. The long finale is savoury with mineral, iron notes that persist in the mouth.

Harvest Notes

The seasonal pattern of the 2022 vintage was among the most unique ever recorded. Following a dry and warm winter and spring, one of the longest summers of the century ensued. The first rains arrived on the night between August 15th and 16th, ushering in a significant meteorological shift that favored the development of the grape clusters. Additional rains at the end of August and beginning of September extended the maturation season. Despite a yield slightly lower than usual, the healthy grapes, characterized by smaller berries, produced excellent quality and rich, intense musts.

Food Pairing

The ideal serving temperature is 57° to 64°F. Recommended to drink young, though this wine will continue to develop and mature for at least ten years.

Technical Information

Varietals: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

Wine Alcohol: 13.5%

Titratable Acidity: 5.51 g/L

pH: 3.58

Harvest Start Date: August 24, 2022

Harvest End Date: September 24, 2022

Soil Composition: A mixture of silt and alluvial sand, with areas of gravel and surface pebbles.