Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Mammolo, Fogliatonda

Podere Le Boncie is a jewel in Castelnuovo Berardenga, where Giovanna Morganti tends organically farmed vines with passion and a deep respect for tradition. “Cinque” is the estate’s glimmering “second wine”—drawn from younger vines and vats that didn’t make the cut for the premier cuvées—but nonetheless full of character and terroir.

This 2023 release is aged for about one year in Slavonian oak casks (ranging a generous spectrum from 30 hectoliters down to 500-liter vats), allowing the wine to gain texture and gentle oak spice, without masking its red fruit core. Though simpler than Le Boncie’s top wines, “Cinque” still reveals the rocky, limestone-inflected soils of the estate—the soil speaks through its juice.

On the nose: bright cherry, raspberry compote, rose petals, with undertones of tomato leaf and baking spice. The palate is juicy and lively: red berry fruit, a streak of savory herb, balanced tannins, and good acidity that keeps it fresh. The structure is present but approachable; finish is smooth, with a smokey herbal edge and lingering fruit memories.

Enjoy this wine with braised meats, pasta with red sauce, grilled veggies, or simply a plate of aged pecorino and olives. It’s meant to be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit, yet has enough backbone to hold up for another few years in bottle.