Wines Unspecified San Giusto a Rentennano - Percarlo - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The San Giusto a Rentennano ‘Percarlo’ 2020 is a standout red from Tuscany, crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. Known for its remarkable purity, this cuvée represents one of Italy’s most acclaimed single-varietal Sangioveses. The 2020 vintage saw favourable weather conditions, allowing for full ripening and excellent concentration. The vineyards are rooted in calcareous and marly soils, which impart minerality and finesse to the wine. Percarlo is vinified with a meticulous approach: hand-harvesting, careful grape selection, and fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by long maceration and maturation in French oak barrels, typically for 20–22 months. The result is a deeply coloured wine, with aromas of wild cherries, violets and sweet spices, layered with subtle oak and earthy undertones. On the palate, it is structured yet elegant, delivering ample fruit, supple tannins, and an impressively persistent finish.

Tuscany enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights that support a balanced development of acidity and concentration in grapes. The rolling hills and varied exposures offer microclimates ideal for Sangiovese. The region’s soils—a unique mix of limestone, clay, and sand—further define the elegance of great Tuscan reds. Tuscany has a rich vinous heritage dating back to the Etruscans and is globally synonymous with Sangiovese-based wines.

San Giusto a Rentennano’s Percarlo, with its bold structure and layered complexity, pairs beautifully with rich and savoury dishes. Traditional Tuscan fare makes a harmonious match: think wild boar ragu with pappardelle, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or braised lamb shanks. Mature hard cheeses like pecorino or aged parmesan also highlight the wine’s depth and tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to aerate and reveal its full aromatic profile. Serve at 16-18°C to bring out its expressive fruit, floral notes, and refined structure. This wine will evolve beautifully with further cellaring, developing greater nuance and harmony over time.