SATOR DOC Montescudaio: wisdom in the glass

If, like me, you went through a phase in your life fascinated by esotericism, this bottle will not leave you indifferent.
The winery in question has indeed chosen as its logo the magic square that appears in medieval churches across much of Europe, inscribed with "sator arepo tenet opera rotas", a palindromic phrase whose meaning appears to be "the sower carefully guides the plough", likely a reference to the plough itself.
When found in a church, the reference to the figure of Christ is a plausible interpretation – but on a wine label, how can one not think of the almost sacred bond between man and the land, and the fruit it yields?
And if the drink in question is wine, well, the rest writes itself. At this point it is best to open the bottle before being struck by a mystical crisis – not on the road to Damascus, but on one of the roads in the province of Pisa.

Ah, I nearly forgot: the surprises on the label are not over.
Listed on the side is the blend, and alongside a dominant 85% Sangiovese, the king grape of Toscana, there is a remaining 15% of another variety crowned king of its own territory: I am speaking of the Trentino Teroldego, which finds its ideal home in the Piana Rotaliana but is also permitted in the disciplinaries of the DOC appellations of Toscana, Marche, Sardegna, and Lombardia.

But let us move on to what is in the glass – the true protagonist.
Visually, neither variety is known for particularly intense anthocyanins, yet the bright ruby colour is truly captivating.
On the nose, the aromas are characterised by notes of ripe red fruits and spirit-macerated cherries – above all the marasca cherry typical of Sangiovese – along with spicy and peppery notes contributed by the Teroldego, all beautifully integrated thanks in part to a light ageing in small second- and third-passage oak barrels, which lend subtle toasty notes reminiscent of cappuccino and tobacco.
On the palate, the aromas found in the glass return as flavours, accompanied by a pleasant tactile sensation from the soft tannins, sustained by a good acidity that makes one entirely forget this is a wine of 14% alcohol; the finish is long.
Excellent also is the quality-to-price ratio: we are talking about a wine under 10 euros. Those wishing to taste it need only get in touch with the distributors present in their area, conveniently listed on the winery's website.
Best enjoyed with red meats or aged Tuscan pecorino, preferably in good company and before a breathtaking view.