Querciabella Mongrana 2022

Querciabella Mongrana 2022 is a biodynamic red blend from coastal Maremma that delivers freshness, purity, and a refined balance of fruit and structure. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby color and opens with vibrant aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, and blueberry, lifted by hints of herbs, liquorice, and a subtle earthiness. The palate is medium-bodied, smooth, and layered, offering juicy red and dark fruit flavors framed by supple tannins and a mineral backbone. Notes of kirsch, dried herbs, and wet stone add complexity without heaviness. Despite being unoaked, the wine feels polished and integrated, finishing with energy and a savory touch that nods to the iron-rich soils of Maremma. This wine is approachable now but structured enough to evolve nicely over the next few years.

Querciabella Mongrana 2022 pairs beautifully with rustic Tuscan cuisine and Mediterranean-inspired fare. Its bright acidity and soft tannins make it a great match for grilled lamb, roast pork, or wild mushroom risotto. It also complements pasta with tomato-based sauces, herb-roasted chicken, or eggplant parmigiana. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with lentil stew, stuffed peppers, or a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Versatile and food-friendly, it shines with savory, flavorful dishes.

Querciabella, founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni, is a benchmark producer in Tuscany known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Located in Greve in Chianti within the heart of Chianti Classico, the estate expanded into the Maremma coastal region in the late 1990s, bringing its philosophy of natural, sustainable farming to new terroirs. Today, Querciabella farms over 100 hectares of vineyards without synthetic chemicals, making it one of the largest fully biodynamic estates in Italy.

The name “Querciabella” translates to “beautiful oak,” a nod to the estate's lush, wooded surroundings. In 1988, Giuseppe's son, Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, took over leadership, guiding the winery toward a deeper integration of ethics, environmental stewardship, and world-class winemaking. Under his direction, Querciabella not only embraced biodynamic farming but also became entirely vegan-friendly, eliminating animal-derived products from both vineyard treatments and the winemaking process.

The winery's flagship wines—like Camartina, Batar, and Palafreno—are internationally acclaimed for their elegance, structure, and aging potential. Meanwhile, wines like Mongrana, grown in the warmer, maritime climate of Maremma, express a more accessible, fruit-forward style without sacrificing complexity or integrity.

Querciabella's approach combines traditional Tuscan varietals like Sangiovese with international grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, always with an emphasis on terroir transparency and finesse. Whether from the rolling hills of Chianti or the coastal plains of Maremma, Querciabella's wines reflect a deep respect for nature, balance, and purity—qualities that have earned the winery a devoted following among critics and collectors alike.