At a glance

Producer

Livio Sassetti (Pertimali)

Region

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese Grosso

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$140-$200 USD

Tasting profile

Intense young Sangiovese notes: black cherry, rose, wild herbs, graphite, savory spice, significant oak influence, formidable structure.

Evolution: Over next 5-10 years, integration of tannins and increase in complexity—tar, tobacco leaf, dried fruits, earthy and balsamic notes.

At peak: Expect silken texture, aromatic lift, truffle, leather, orange peel, dried rose and finely knit tannins at maturity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high; supporting freshness and longevity

Tannins

High, firm but fine-grained

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical for the style)

Aging potential

Excellent; 20+ years in ideal cellar

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2040

Optimal window

2028 to 2045

Current status

Very youthful, suitable for long-term cellaring; approachable with decanting but best after several years.

Current condition

Youthful, powerful structure, high tannins, requires aging to harmonize.

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from a top site and strong vintage, designed for cellaring; tannic backbone and balanced acidity promote slow development, while meticulous winemaking ensures stability. Wine peaks when primary fruit shifts to secondary/tertiary complexity and tannins resolve.

Food pairing

Best with aged meats (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), braised game, truffled risotto, mature pecorino, or wild mushroom dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The high tannins and firm structure of the wine benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Largely traditional; selective hand-harvest, cover cropping, low chemical input, natural yeast fermentation; recent improvements in water use and packaging, but not industry-leading in emissions or energy use.

While Livio Sassetti is known for thoughtful viticultural practices, the lack of third-party certification and limited transparency on full sustainability measures keeps the score mid-range. Estate is moving toward more sustainable practices (eco packaging, water/energy adjustments), but is not a front-runner versus dedicated organic/biodynamic producers. European logistics offset some impact, but global transport is a factor in carbon footprint.