Casale Pozzuolo, Montecucco (Tuscany, Italy) Sangiovese 2008

 Montecucco is a fairly new (1998) DOC zone in southern Tuscany, south of the nearby Montalcino zone.  The wines of the area include a blended white and red, as well as varietal Vermentino and Sangiovese.  This Sangiovese, made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso, captivated me not for its weight or stature — as Sangiovese Grosso and proximity to Montalcino might suggest — but for its charm.  Its fragrant aroma suggests raspberries, and the wine’s fairly pronounced flavor repeats the raspberry note, with a floral accent.  The wine is truly dry, unoaked, and medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, and fine-grained tannins that are not at all intrusive.  It is a delight to drink — almost irresistible.