Montebuono Lino Maga 2023
ArtisanalThe Montebuono by Lino Maga is a red wine of great territoriality, a splendid and rustic interpretation of the Oltrepò Pavese territory, obtained from the homonymous cru from predominantly local grape varieties. The bouquet is fragrant with fields, earth, red fruit, and black pepper. The taste is expressive and of great personality, dry and juicy, with well-integrated tannins
The Montebuono wine is one of the two exciting labels produced by the knight Lino Maga, a true icon of the Oltrepò Pavese as well as of artisanal wine. Each vintage can be different and sometimes "buscia" meaning it sparkles: this is the knight's premise when he talks about his creation, representing a philosophy that sees the vineyard as a sincere interpreter of each single vintage without any attempt at standardization. Deep, multifaceted liquids that literally challenge time without showing signs of decline. A life lived for the vineyard by Maga, inextricably intertwined with the figures of Gino Veronelli and Gianni Brera, great journalists and friends of Lino, as they were lovers of his wine, supporting him in the legal battles undertaken to recognize the uniqueness of the Barbacarlo denomination, the name of his flagship wine and the vineyard from which the grapes come.
The Montebuono red comes entirely from the homonymous 4-hectare vineyard located around Broni. A blend of Croatina, Uva Rara, and Ughetta, Montebuono stands out for its integrity and longevity, despite an absolutely non-interventionist vinification. No chemical or synthetic products in the vineyard, of course, and strictly manual harvesting of the bunches. In the cellar, the same creed continues, with fermentations occurring with indigenous yeasts at uncontrolled temperatures and long aging in large, already used wooden barrels. Just a bit of sulfur dioxide at bottling, for a liquid that is a genuine expression of a territory and a philosophy of thought.
Lino Maga's Montebuono has a ruby color with violet reflections, but it can turn towards garnet depending on the aging. The nose captures the Oltrepò Pavese with a photograph of poignant intensity: it's the grape that speaks, and the liquid tastes especially of that, which is no trivial matter even according to the knight. But there are also earthy nuances, as if to emphasize the deep roots of the liquid, and then licorice and cocoa. The sip, depending on when the bottle is opened, is impetuous and pulsating in youth while more relaxed and serene with age. Montebuono is a wine that is unforgettable, capable of surprising and moving with every sip.