WHAT I’M DRINKING: JUNE

From a vineyard in Radda in Chianti, one of Tuscany’s prized high-elevation zones, Montevertine Le Pergole Torte is considered a benchmark for the region. The estate was founded by the late Sergio Manetti, whose vision established Montevertine as one of Italy’s great producers. He was known for vinifying Sangiovese using traditional methods like fermentation in cement vats and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels.

Montevertine famously chose to label its wine IGT (Vino da Tavola) to avoid Chianti Classico regulations that Manetti believed limited the greatness of his wines. Today, Le Pergole Torte is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Italian Sangiovese, known for its silky structure, powerful dark fruit, mineral notes, and refreshing acidity. It’s a unicorn, and I’m proud to have received an allocation.

This wine pairs beautifully with everything in the Roman Holiday section of our menu, as well as steaks — especially the Snake River Farms wagyu ribeye — and the double pork chop.