2018, Umberto Cesari ‚Tauleto Sangiovese di Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna

Majestic and complex, revealing wild berry and black cherry aromas layered with rose petal, spice, and leather, leading to a full-bodied, velvety finish of impressive length.

About the Winery: Established in 1965 by Umberto and Giuliana Cesari, this family-owned estate in Emilia-Romagna has grown from 20 to 355 hectares of vineyards across eight distinct sites: La Casetta, Parolino, Ca  Grande, Laurento, Liano, Claterna, Miravalle, and Tauleto. Each vineyard benefits from its own unique microclimate, ideal for cultivating Sangiovese of character and finesse. Certified sustainable under the SQNPI program, Umberto Cesari has been named *IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year* four times in the last 15 years. Today, the estate is led by Umbertoof son, Gianmaria Cesari, who continues the familyof mission to elevate Sangiovese as a premium expression of Emilia-Romagna terroir.

Grape Variety: 90% Sangiovese Grosso, 10% Uva Longanesi ‚ from the estateof *Tauleto* vineyard, whose name derives from a local dialect term meaning ‚¬œplace of abundant water.‚¬ Natural springs beneath the site help mitigate water stress during the dry summers. Uva Longanesi, an ancient local variety revived by the Cesari family, contributes structure, spice, and aromatic lift. The 20-year-old vines yield approximately 6.5 tonnes per hectare on clay-rich soils that retain moisture and promote concentration and balance.

Appearance: Deep ruby-red with garnet reflections, indicating maturity and intensity.

Aroma: Complex bouquet of ripe black cherry, plum, dried rose petals, incense, and balsamic spice.

Palate: Opulent and full-bodied with layers of red and black fruit, pipe tobacco, vanilla, and savoury graphite notes. The grapes were hand-harvested and air-dried for two weeks before fermentation. The wine underwent extended maceration in temperature-controlled fermenters and aged for 24 months in 225L Allier oak barriques and tonneaux, followed by six months in bottle before release. The result is a structured yet supple wine with rich texture and a long, spicy finish.

Body: Full-bodied, dense, and rounded with velvety tannins.

Acidity: Balanced and lively, enhancing depth and freshness.

Cellaring Potential: Excellent now or cellar for 10‚12 years to reveal further notes of leather, balsam, and truffle.

Perfect Pairing: Superb with braised beef short ribs, venison stew, or aged Parmesan cheese.

Serving Temperature: Serve at 16‚18°C to accentuate its balance of richness and finesse.

Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.