2006 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT

(97 Points) Montevertine’s 2006 Pergole Torte is also 100% Sangiovese, but it emerges from vineyards in Radda in Chianti. The late Sergio Manetti created Pergole Torte at a time when the Chianti Classico regulations dictated that white grapes be part of the blend in Chianti Classico. Manetti created Pergole Torte as one of the first 100% Sangioveses, a wine that at the time had to be declassified to Vino da Tavola, the lowest designation, but it did not formally comply with the regulations of any appellation. Of course, a bevy of pure Sangioveses followed, but Pergole Torte was among the first. It remains one of the great wines of Italy. On this night, the 2006 Pergole Torte is shockingly powerful, dense and structured, with big tannins that give the wine energy and vibrancy. Readers should be in no hurry to open bottles. What a wine! (Drink between 2021-2046)(AG)  Vinous, Review Date: 12/2018