If I say holiday in Italy, probably the first thing that comes to your mind is Tuscany. It is one of the well- known Italian regions across the entire globe. Rolling hills, breath-taking panoramas, calming colour pallets without mentioning art and gastronomic treasures.
But let’s dive into Tuscany to understand a bit more about the wines and what are their characteristics.
Chianti, probably the most famous wine in the world, comes from a small region within Tuscany, but a wine calling itself “Chianti” is allowed to be made almost anywhere in Tuscany. Because of this, Chianti has 8 sub-zones.
The best examples come from Chianti Classico, which is the name given to wines from the original historical boundaries. Chianti Classico are likely to be of higher quality since they are made in smaller quantities from distinct historical areas.
Chianti wine is a red blend from Tuscany made primarily with Sangiovese grapes. Despite what the majority of people think, Sangiovese is a thin-skinned grape that makes translucent wines. Please do not be fooled by its lightness in colour. Chianti has Italy in his aromas: sour cherries, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, tobacco and leather.
Another important wine is Brunello di Montalcino, made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and the highest DOCG classification. Brunello is worth the wait as it is a wine that improves with time.
It has to age at least 5 years before being release for its lower appellation (“Normale”) and a minimun of 6 years for the “Reserva”. Because of its high level of tannins and acidity, Brunello needs time to develop its full aromas and palate.
When young, it’s a bold wine rich in fruits and flowers, including cherries, dried cranberry, wild strawberry, blackberry, violets, potpourri, and liquorice but because of the high acidity, it can have an astringent note that will have you licking the insides of your mouth.
With 10+ years of age, Brunello di Montalcino drops the fresh fruit flavours to reveal sweeter notes of dried figs, candied cherries, hazelnuts, and sun-baked leather. The tannins turn chocolatey and the acidity is succulent.
We work with Casato Prime Donne, the first Italian winery staffed entirely to bring you the best Chianti and Brunello.
It is the perfect expression of Chianti Superiore. Red fruits and floral notes with a well-balanced acidity and round tannins.
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2015 – CINELLI COLOMBINI
It is a must have for your cellar.
2015 is a very well-balanced vintage, offering explosive red cherry fruit, balanced tannins, and acidity. This vintage will age for well over 10 years and make sure you age it for at least 8. Flowers and violets with wild cherry and a hint of eucalyptus. It’s elegant and clean, offering ripe Marasca cherry, liquorice and dried mint framed in well balanced tannins.
” 94/100 Robert Parker and Monica Larner”, ” 95/100 James Suckling”, ” 93/100 Decanter”
