Montalcino’s Rebel Icon – Ugolforte Riserva 2018

Tasting Notes

In the glass: A deep ruby-garnet hue that hints at gravitas. On the nose: Aromas of wild cherries, plum skin, leather, tobacco leaf, forest floor, sage and a mineral streak. Retailers describe it as “cherry candy, wild raspberry liqueur, rosemary, violets… crunchy acidity with a hint of sage.”

On the palate: Medium-to-full body, polished though firm tannins, juicy red and black fruit layered with herbaceous nuance and a firm iron-mineral edge. Finish is long, savory, and persistent—“dense tannin matrix and lively acidity” describes it well.

This wine demands attention—not just because it’s serious, but because it’s refined within that seriousness.

Meet the Winemaker

Tenuta San Giorgio sits in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southeast quadrant of the Brunello zone. Their “Ugolforte” Riserva draws from vineyards on steep slopes at 250-400 m elevation, rocky clay and tuff soils, low yields, hand-picking, and careful aging in large Slavonian and French oak casks. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)

• Vintage: 2018

• Region: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy 

• Vinification/Aging: Select vineyards on steep terrain; maceration in oak vats; aged ~42 months in 30 hL Slavonian oak barrels. 

• ABV: ~14% (listing indicates 14.00% for 2018 Riserva) 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 16-18 °C — decant for best results (30-60 mins).

Critic Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast – 94 pts: “A lively, verdant nose of mission fig, rose petals, tea leaf, blood orange peel and herbs… opens with raspberries, figs and a polished frame of tannins.” 

• Decanter / Vinous / multiple sources: “Hauntingly dark presence… dusty rose, crushed rock, black cherry and spice… tannic yet not severe.” 

Food Pairings

• Herb-crusted venison loin with cherry-juniper glaze — match the depth.

• Truffle-studded pappardelle with wild boar ragù — bold, Italian, perfect.

• Aged pecorino with fig jam & walnuts — elegant simplicity.

• Grilled rib-eye with rosemary & cracked black pepper — power meets finesse.

• Wild mushroom risotto with shaved parmesan & rosemary — savoury lift for savoury wine.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you’re done with everyday reds and ready for a wine with story, place, pedigree and future. This Riserva 2018 is an investment—not just in flavour, but in time. Pull it out when you don’t just want to drink wine, you want to experience it.
It’s refined, passionate, distinct.

Add Tenuta San Giorgio “Ugolforte” Riserva 2018 to your cart — wine club members get 10% off + other perks.
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