# Cerbaiona Gramattica Rosso Toscana IGT (2023)

- **Producer:** Cerbaiona
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, orange, rose, violet, mint, liquorice, cedar, forest floor

## About this wine

Cerbaiona was founded in 1977 by Diego Molinari, a former commercial pilot who turned a modest plot in Montalcino into a legendary estate benchmark alongside traditional producers. In 2015, ownership transitioned to Gary Rieschel and managing partner Matthew Fioretti. Under Fioretti's leadership, the estate underwent a meticulous vineyard replanting program using traditional high-density alberello bush vines, combined with organic viticulture and modern facility upgrades. Grammatica serves as Cerbaiona's foundational IGT bottling, conceived as the essential core framework showcasing the high-altitude Montalcino terroir in a more approachable format.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by former Alitalia commercial pilot Diego Molinari in 1977, Cerbaiona achieved iconic cult status in Montalcino.
- The name 'Grammatica' represents the core structural framework or fundamental grammar of Cerbaiona's winemaking style.
- The vineyards utilize high-density alberello head-trained bush vines planted in galestro and limestone-rich soils.

## Food pairing

The vibrant acidity and chalky, fine-grained tannin structure cut effortlessly through rich red meats, roasted duck, and slow-cooked meat ragùs. Earthy accents like wild mushrooms and herbs mirror the wine's herbal and floral notes, while savory sheep's milk cheese balances the wine's structured tannins.

## Wine making process

Grapes are organically farmed and hand-harvested with strict parcel selection from estate and surrounding Montalcino vineyards. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in traditional concrete vats using native yeasts without synthetic additives. The wine matures primarily in concrete vats and neutral large oak vessels to maintain fruit purity, natural acidity, and mineral precision without heavy oak extraction.