Le Pianore, Montecucco DOC (Tuscany, Italy) 2019

 This family owned and run estate is tucked into the scenic wooded slopes of Tuscany’s Monte Amiata, where it produces a handful of different organic wines including this savory Sangiovese/Merlot blend.  The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 6 months in French tonneaux.  It is savory, reasonably complex and very food friendly.  Le Pianore’s wines are all certified organic.   In the estate’s shop you may also purchase various goodies such as local olive oil, grappa and honey as well as a row of vines growing in the Le Pianore’s vineyard.  If you decide to sign up for the vineyard option you will be sent a certificate of adoption plus regular updates on the progress of “your” vines.  You will also receive a box of wine made from those vines, although I imagine you probably would have to go to Italy to retrieve it.