Cerbaiona M.L. Fioretti Collalto Rosso Toscana IGT 2021
Cerbaiona M.L. Fioretti Collalto Rosso Toscana IGT 2021 – alternate view 2
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Cerbaiona M.L. Fioretti Collalto Rosso Toscana IGT 2021

Cerbaiona M.L. Fioretti
$60.00

Grape: Merlot, Sangiovese
Vintage: 2021
Type: Red

This Tuscan red blend represents a modern interpretation of local and international varieties, combining roughly eighty percent merlot with a supporting portion of sangiovese. Winemaker Matthew Fioretti implements a strict production protocol starting with fruit refrigeration and a gentle crush to manage phenolic extraction. The juice undergoes a spontaneous native fermentation and cold soak in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, utilizing manual punching down. It undergoes a careful oak aging regimen in the cellar to integrate its structural components without introducing heavy wood flavors.

It pours a deep ruby color, opening with a complex nose of ripe black cherries, black plums, dark chocolate, and savory Italian herbs. On the palate, the medium-to-full-bodied frame pairs plush dark fruit concentration with a velvety tannin profile. A clean thread of cedar spice and fresh acidity runs through mid-palate, keeping the mouthfeel lively and balanced. The texture is smooth yet structured, avoiding any jammy character.

Cerbaiona is a venerated and historically significant wine estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, renowned for its highly-sought-after Brunello di Montalcino. Originally founded by Diego Molinari, the estate gained a cult reputation for elegant, traditionally-made Sangiovese.

The winery entered a new era in 2015 when it was acquired by a group of investors led by American wine professional **Matthew Fioretti**, who now serves as the hands-on manager and winemaker. Fioretti undertook a comprehensive and meticulous overhaul of the estate, replanting the small, prime vineyard plots (totaling about four hectares) to Sangiovese Grosso, converting to organic farming, and building a modern, state-of-the-art winery and laboratory to pursue a philosophy of "craftsmanship" and technical precision.

The name **Cerbaiona M.L. Fioretti** (or simply **M.L. Fioretti**) refers to Matthew Fioretti's separate passion project label, distinct from the estate's classic Sangiovese bottlings. Operating out of the same Cerbaiona cellars, the M.L. Fioretti line produces limited-edition, experimental IGT Toscana wines using both indigenous Tuscan grapes and international Bordeaux varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, often sourced from exceptional vineyards outside the Montalcino appellation. This parallel label allows Fioretti to explore the potential of different varietals and sites in Tuscany with the same exacting standards he applies to the benchmark Brunello.