Description
The name “Querciabella,” meaning “beautiful oak” in Italian, is synonymous with excellence in Chianti, largely due to the dedication and foresight of owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni. A pioneer in sustainable farming, Castiglioni was among the first to transition his estate to organic practices in 1988, and he achieved biodynamic certification in 2000. Today, Querciabella boasts 74 hectares of prime vineyards across some of Chianti’s top crus, along with an additional 32 hectares in the coastal Maremma region.
This wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
“This charming coastal red has a ton to offer. And its fabulous value.” Antonio Galloni
“Top 100 Wines of the World” (Wine Spectator 2013)
“Top 100 Value Wines” (Wine Spectator 2019 and 2020)
“Best Unoaked Tuscan Red” The Drinks Business
About this wine from the winemaker: “Mongrana – first vintage 2005 – is the result of years of experimentation and freedom in blending. In 1997, after elevating the Chianti estate to the pinnacle of success, the Castiglioni family set their sights on the next fertile ground to put down roots, literally. At the time, Maremma was still steeped in wilderness. Querciabella found its perfect blank canvas here—a seaside estate just south of Grosseto—where new vineyards were planted, marking the beginning of a bold new vision for winemaking.
“Quickly adapting to the powerful intensity of Maremma’s expressive potential, we embraced the region’s versatility and crafted an unoaked blend of red grapes as our first coastal wine. Harmony and simplicity beautifully built around a supple core of fruit helped Mongrana earn a spot already in the 2013 Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the World”. Bruce Sanderson then selected it again in 2019 and 2020 for his Top 100 Value Wines and as one of 8 Italian Reds at 90+ points. From James Suckling to The Drinks Business, this wine has widely shown its outstanding value.
“Every vintage gives life to a unique version of Mongrana. We harvest each grape variety—up to nine in total—at the peak of phenolic maturation. After gentle fermentation, the wines undergo élevage in cement vats for a minimum of ten months before the final blend is crafted and bottled, offering a generous drinking experience that instantly rewards those seeking depth of flavour without sacrificing remarkable freshness. In the words of world-renowned critic Antonio Galloni: “There is so much to like here!”
“Mongrana immediately captivates with its vibrant aromas of ripe fruit—morello cherry, blackberry, and blueberry—that leap from the glass. These fresh fruit notes are complemented by a complex bouquet of kirsch, ivy, pine needles, and a subtle touch of liquorice, reflecting the unique Mediterranean influence of the region. On the palate, Mongrana offers a juicy, refreshing sip with soft, well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and savoury, with a persistent mineral note that lingers.”
This wine delivers on every level, every year. Lush fruits, warm, mellow, and inviting charged with sangiovese’s vibrant tannins and spine of acidity bringing freshness and energy. Like his vineyards in Chianti, everything here is farmed biodynamically with no animal products used at any time during production. Every care and detail applied to the top wines is applied here. There is no cutting corners or shortcuts to make this wine.
All the grapes are sourced from a 42 hectare site established in 2000 on the Maremma coast. Fermentation takes place in steel tank with each varietal vinified separately. This sees no oak with time in cement vat to settle before final blending, then bottled with no fining or filtration.
93 points, James Suckling “This is ripe with dark cherries, mulberries and jam. Some hibiscus and red spices, too. Medium- to full-bodied with tight but finely polished tannins and a succulent, mellow dark-fruited character. Racy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous “The 2021 Mongrana is terrific. Bright and punchy, with gorgeous fruit purity, the 2021 is a delicious wine for drinking over the near and medium term. Aging in cement and steel keeps the flavors vibrant. This is a fine edition of the Mongrana.”
RRP $49 Our Special Price $39.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
