Montalcino
The Cortonesi winery is a family-owned winery in Montalcino. Today, Tommaso, Marco and Giulio continue the winemaking work according to tradition, while employing modern technologies to the enhance the quality of their production. Cortonesi owns some of the most prized vineyards in the north and south-east of Montalcino. Since 1998 wines from La Manella and Il Poggiarelli have been vinified separately. Marco understood the importance of separating the grapes from these two different terroirs, to underline their characteristics and peculiarities of each, and to fully show the full potential of the territory of Montalcino.
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Lèonus Toscana IGT
| SKU | 394922 |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Type | Red |
| Varietal | Sangiovese |
| Listing | Speculative |
| Case Config. | 12x750ml |
| Available In | BC |
Colour
Medium ruby
Aroma
Aromas of stone fruit, vanilla and warm nuts.
Flavour
Medium-bodied with dark fruit and juicy acidity. Creamy tannins with a long finish.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs beautifully with tomato-based dishes such as pasta or pizza, antipasti or roasted fowl.
More Info
This wine comes from the La Manella farm in Montalcino, where the Cortonesi family is renowned for their production of Brunello di Montalcino. Lèonus is made from declassified Brunello grapes, making it an excellent value wine that is often referred to as a baby Brunello. A fresh and easy-drinking expression of Sangiovese, focused on freshness and vivacity. to pair with your home-cooked pasta meals. 100% Sangiovese aged in oak barrel for six months, and in bottle for three months.
The SOMM Journal, Jun/2025
2022 -
"A single block in a vineyard planted 20-25 years ago in the northeastern part of Montalcino produces the grapes for this stunning blend of 85% Sangiovese with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. With its billowy mouthfeel and silky tannins, it's an overachiever at its price point. White pepper, Morello cherries, and rose petals deliver a most approachable Super Tuscan, or as Tommaso Cortonesi refers to it, Super Montalcino."
James Suckling, Sept/2024
2022 -
"This shows notes of bright and fresh red berries with notes of dried herbs and spicy cedar nuances. Medium-bodied, tense and lively on the palate, with dusty tannins and attractive mineral complexity at the end. Drink or hold."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec/2023
2022 -
"The entry-level Cortonesi 2022 Lèonus (made with Sangiovese) is bright, punchy and clean, and it delivers the goods with easy cherry and cranberry flavors. The fine, chalky tannins contribute to a direct and food-friendly result. There is a point of sweet ripeness on the close." - Monica Larner
James Suckling, Aug/2022
2021 -
"Attractive nose of hazelnuts, praline, cherries, peaches and vanilla. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a supple, juicy palate. Drink now or hold."
Michael Godel, Wine Align, May/2023
2021 -
"Tommaso Cortonesi grabs the youngest of his sangiovese not yet ready for the youthful exuberance of Rosso nor the prime time of Brunello di Montalcino and boom, Léonus is constantly re-invented in its IGT style. And yet this is a wine of evolution because vines get older and the better experienced fruit deserves further attention. The price of this IGT is reflective of an increase in quality but also Cortonesi’s understanding of his (home vineyard's) La Manella ways. Look at this label as a window into a vintage, of what Rosso will be and even imagine the prospects for the Grand Vin. Warm one, ripe and developed, a tie to the place forged and more structure in this Léonus is identified clearer than ever before. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted twice, February and May 2023."
Megha Jandhyala, Wine Align, Feb/2023
2021 -
"The 2021 Lèonus was sourced from the Cortonesi family's La Mannella farm in Montalcino. It is ripe and plush, with flavours of plums, blueberries, and cherries, alongside subtle notes of herbs, nutmeg, and cedar. The palate is medium to full-bodied, infused with plump red fruit. Tannins are fine and acids are fresh and juicy. Length is very good."
John Szabo MS, Wine Align, May/2023
2021 -
"Quite a ripe, if slightly reductive sangiovese here from Cortonesi, a solid value wine year in and year out. I like the succulent, fleshy black cherry fruit, the light, dusty tannins, the dash of oak spice and wild herbs. Everything is set up for current enjoyment or short term hold."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Mar/2023
2021 -
"The Cortonesi 2021 Lèonus opens to a medium-dark appearance and punchy aromas of candied cherry, iris, earth and cola. The fruit feels very fresh and primary... with balanced acidity. It would make a great partner to a cheesy Margherita pizza."
Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2023
2021 -
"Macerated cherries, wild strawberry candy and passion fruit jump off the nose of this Tuscan IGT Sangiovese, before the palate turns more savory, with strawberries dressed in balsamic vinegar, grilled meat and wet gravel, with tannins pliable enough to be enjoyed immediately."
James Suckling, Aug/2021
2020 -
"A pleasant red with berry, light chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now."
James Suckling, Jul/2020
2019 -
"A fruity, lively red with cherry, light chocolate and walnut character. Some bark, too. Medium body, light tannins and a vibrant finish. Drink now."