A few quick thoughts on the 2017 Renzo M Erta e China Rosso di Toscana from the Renzo Masi family.
Note: This wine was a sample.
The Geekery
Renzo M is the negociant label of third-generation winemaker Paolo Masi. His family estate, Fattoria di Basciano, is based in the Chianti Rufina DOCG subzone of Tuscany. Located in the hills east of Florence, Rufina is a higher elevation with vineyards going up to 1600ft (500m) compared to the average 1000ft (300m) elevation in Chianti Classico.
Because of this higher elevation combined with a continental climate, there’s a wide diurnal temperature spread. As a result, Sangiovese from the limestone soils of Rufina tends to ripen slower with well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity.
For the Renzo M wines, the Masi family supplements their estate fruit with grapes grown by their neighbors in Rufina and surrounding areas. The Erta e China is 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon that has been aged 14 months in a mix of 2nd year French & American oak barrels that were previously used for the family’s estate wines. In 2017, Masi only produced 40,000 bottles of this wine.
The Wine
Juicy red cherries linger on the finish of this Sangio-Cab blend.
Medium-plus intensity nose. Lots of floral and bright red cherry notes. There are some noticeable vanilla and oak spices.
On the palate, those cherry notes carry through with juicy medium-plus acidity. However, the Cab flavors of red currant and tobacco leaf become more pronounced. Oak is present but well integrated with the medium-plus tannins and medium-plus body of the fruit. Moderate length finish lingers on the fruit and tobacco leaf.
The Verdict
My previous experience with the Masi family’s wines was with the Il Bastardo Sangiovese that Paolo Masi consults on. While that wine is enjoyable, as was the 2018 Renzo M Chianti that was also sent as a sample, this 2017 Erta e China is definitely a step above.
For between $10-15 USD, this Rosso di Toscana certainly has great structure & complexity that can stand alone or with food.