1999 Montevertine Pergole Torte Super Tuscans/IGT

1999 Montevertine Pergole Torte

97 DEC

Featured Review

(Montevertine, Le Pergole Torte, Toscana, Tuscany, Italy, Red) 1999 was the final vintage of Sergio Manetti, who died in 2000. Today this bottle seems to be proof of his will to produce outstanding wines. Harvested on 11 October – perfectly average for Montevertine – it's considered a classic yet austere vintage in Tuscany compared to the riper 1997 and 1998. It's a bright ruby colour, with a restrained nose of rhubarb candy, privet and Earl Grey tea. The palate flows freely and fully, showing velvety tannins, vibrant freshness and an amazing finish. (Drink between 2018-2030) Decanter

Decanter | 97 DEC

(Montevertine Le Pergole Torte) The 1999 Le Pergole Torte is powerful, structured and intense, with a big backbone of tannin and tremendous energy. This is one of the more delineated, sinewy vintages of Pergole Torte. In some ways, the 1999 reminds me of the 1988 because of its classicism, but it also has a sense of mid-palate sweetness that is evident. In a bit of an awkward stage, the 1999 is neither young nor old. Clearly, it is closer to the mature end of the spectrum, but I would hold off for a few years in the hope the tannins will soften a touch. Today, the 1999 is awkward, but the pedigree is evident. Cherry pit, smoke, tobacco and cedar resonate on the incisive finish. With time in the glass, the wine gets better and better. (Drink between 2019-2034)

Antonio Galloni | 94+ AG

(Le Pergole Torte- Montevertine) As is the case in Piemonte, 1999 is a quite overlooked vintage in Tuscany that rivals the exceptional quality of 2001 and towers above the ridiculously overrated 1997 vintage. The 1999 Pergole Torte is outstanding, as it jumps from the glass in a very refined aromatic mélange of cherries, plums, oregano, coffee, a touch of nutskins and a complex base of soil. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very elegant, with a rock solid core of sweet fruit, impeccable focus and balance, excellent acidity and fine length and grip on the suavely tannic and complex finish. This will not take as long to fully blossom as the outstanding 2001 Pergole Torte, but it should prove to be every bit as long-lived and compelling at its apogee. A terrific vintage of Pergole Torte. (Drink between 2013-2040)

John Gilman | 93+ JG

Intense aromas of plums, berries and fresh cedar. Full-bodied, with ripe and soft fruit, velvety tannins and a long, succulent finish. A decadent yet balanced red. Best from 2003 through 2008. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 91 WS

Type of Wine	Super Tuscans/IGT
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Italy : Italy is renowned as one of the world’s greatest gastronomic havens; from certified Prosciutto di Parma to the sea-side seafood eateries on the island of Sicily. However, this epicurean experience could not possibly be as hedonistic without the ethereal combination of the country’s plethora of fine wines. It seems unfair that a nation should be able to boast, both, some of the world’s greatest cuisine as well as its greatest wines. Italian wine is one of the most sought after in the world, and has become the second most produced in the world, behind only France. Stretching an impressive 736 miles from northern Italy to the peninsula’s southern tip, the country’s geography generates an enormous array of topography, climate and soil structure. This is an extremely important quality of its winegrowing and making industry which lays claim to nearly 550 different grape varietals, which all desire their own necessities, in terms of terroir and climate. The still red wines of Italy truly characterize the nation’s vast and expansive terroir; Nebbiolo dominates Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco reign king and queen of the region’s production. Hailing from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, the rockstar Sangiovese grape has become synonymous with greatness. Vin Santo sweet wines have taken on a mighty feat of competing with the glorious wines of Sauternes, and of course, Prosecco. Prosecco, located in Trieste (northeast Italy) and its creation of luxuriously effervescent styles of wine has become Italy’s answer to Champagne. The Glera grape variety, which has become synonymous with the name Prosecco, is the main ingredient and is beloved in the appellation where the village of Prosecco’s name has become world renowned. The blurred boundary between Italy and the countries of Slovenia and Austria, where German influence still resonates through Friuli wines. The prevalence of Riesling and other such grape varietals is high in this region and have become extremely popular on today’s market. With nearly 702,000 hectares of grapevines covering the massive and diverse landscape, Italy’s annual average of 48.3 million hectoliters of wine production is second only to France in terms of volume and Spain in terms of hectares of vines. The country is vast and overwhelming when it comes to the culinary arts, but perhaps even this is overshadowed by its production of some of the world’s most sought after wines, whether the omnipresent Chianti to the highly collectible and sought after Amarone della Valpolicalla.
Region	Tuscany : Italian culture worships the concept of a shared meal, and their wines scream for a chance to be uncorked with your friends and family. The region's Mediterranean climate and hilly landscape combine to create a beautiful viticultural environment, where every chosen grape is brought to its full potential and transmuted into drinks worthy of gods. The vineyards are planted along the higher reaches of the hill slopes, creating a gorgeous view of the Italian landscape. Once your lips kiss the wine, you're sent spiraling down a veritable whirlpool of pure flavor, touching upon notes of sensuous cherry, nuts, floral hints and undertones of honey and minerals. The wines can be as sweet as a fresh summer romance, and carry an air of dignity and elegance about them that can stimulate your intellect for months as you contemplate the seemingly infinite intricacies and details in the texture. Tuscany is an important part of Italian viticulture, and sampling their wines is the closest you can get to visiting this heavenly region and experiencing the culture.