1972 Castello di Monsanto - Il Poggio Chianti Classico Riserva (89 pts)

- Pale garnet color with a watery tawny rim. Medium+ intensity on the nose. Aromas of dried cherry, dried cranberry, dried leaves, menthol, sour cherry, ash, oak, and tobacco. The wine is dry, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol, medium resolved and dusty tannins, and medium body. Sour red fruit on the palate. Sour cherry, red currant, dried cranberry, and pomegranate. Followed by aromas of oak, cedar, earth, dried leaves, tabacco, and menthol. The finish was long. I don't know a lot about this vintage in Tuscany, but this bottle was in great shape. There was a good balance in terms of acidity to the remaining fruit and tannins in the wine. This drank very well, but not for people who do not like aged wines. Castello di Monsanto is well known for their stock of legacy bottles. Il Poggio is a single vineyard from a hilltop site. Really impressed by this bottle.

 1972 Castello di Monsanto - Il Poggio Chianti Classico

2013 Felsina - Berardenga Chianti Classico (91 pts)

- Medium ruby color with a watery rim. Medium+ intensity on the nose. Aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, red plum, cedar, liquorice, cinnamon, menthol and soy sauce. Medium+ acidity, medium fine grained and dusty tannins, medium+ alcohol, and medium+ body. Love the tannins on this wine, they are mouth coating, but not overbearing. Flavors of dark cherry, red plum, leather, cedar, tree bark, menthol, soy sauce and black tea. Medium+ length finish that lingers with a high tea note on the finish and dried cherry. There is a real umaminess to this wine. Fruit is totally in balance but a bit darker than I am used to in my Chiantis. This wine packs a punch for the $20 price point. Seek it out, highly recommend with food.

 2013 Felsina - Berardenga Chianti Classico (91 pts)

2011 Ruffino - Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (85 pts)

- Pale ruby color with a watery rim. Medium- intensity on the nose. Aromas of sour cherry, candied strawberry, black tea, tobacco, dust, and a soapy floral note. High acidity, medium- soft and dusty tannins, medium+ alcohol, and medium- body. Really one note and it's a nice note of sour cherry, red cherry, and some high tones floral flavors. Decent dusty texture. Overall the wine is soft, alcohol is a bit disjointed, and most importantly the fruit can not stand up to the acidity. This wine comes across too thin. Furthermore soapy is never a good finishing flavor. Finish is medium- length. Varietally correct, just not the finest execution.

 2011 Ruffino - Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (85 pts)

ℹ️ This wine is 💯 Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy. Cepparello is the flagship wine of Isole e Olena and is IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) bottling. Cepparello comes from the top estate vineyards in Chianti Classico. Historically, 💯 Sangiovese could not be labeled as a Chianti Classico. Part of the production is bottled under a screwcap, which is against the DOCG guidelines. The wine spends 18-20 months in French oak barrels.

👃 Medium+ intensity on the nose. Aromas of ripe black cherry, red plum, blackcurrant, licorice, oak, toast, clove, gravel, mocha, sage, and thyme.

👄 The wine is dry, medium+ acidity, high dusty tannins, high alcohol (15%), and medium+ body. The palate is filled with ripe black fruits and sweet cream. The long length finish shows notes of stewed black cherry, licorice, baking spices, and thyme.

🔔 The 2017 Cepparello is a baby with lots of time ahead of it. The oak regimen's influence is quite prominent now, but don't worry, there are pristine black fruits and herbs in there. The palate shows a good acid backbone and very polished tannins. The palate delivers excellent concentration and depth all the way through the finish, which speaks to the quality and pedigree of this wine. Cepparello deserves a spot in the cellar and revisit in 5-8 years.

 2017 Isole e Olena - Cepparello (94 pts) @isoleeolena ℹ️

2012 Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico (88 pts)

- Medium ruby core with a pale watery rim. Medium intensity on the nose. Picking up a lot of earthy notes, top soil, pine, evergreen, cedar, stemmy (whole cluster?), smoked meat, dried cherry, dried cranberry, and black currant. High acidity, medium dusty tannins, medium+ alcohol that comes across hotter than whats on the bottle, and medium body. Really good texture to the wine from start to finish. More fruit on the palate, bing cherry, dried cranberry, red plum, and red currant. Cedar, smoked meat, topsoil, and pine on the mid palate. The finish is medium+ length and quite drying, but ends on a strong sour cherry and black tea notes. Overall very balanced, impressed by the palate balancing the dusty texture against the strong acid backbone. The fruit shines and lingers in the finish. This is another great value due Chianti not being in vogue.

 2012 Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico (88 pts) #winereview

Chianti Classico Collection | CoNNection 2021 Spotlight: Savignola Paolina

Passionate about preserving tradition and history, Manuela and Luzius Caviezel set out to revitalize Paolina Fabbri’s historical Chianti Classico estate.

Savignola Paolina ‘Ora’ Chianti Classico DOCG 2018

Juicy red and black cherry, chocolate, candied violet, summer earth and herbs are edged by grippy tannins. Mocha, vanilla and crushed black peppercorn infuse the red fruit finish. Hearty and charismatic.

85% Sangiovese, 7.5% Colorino, 7.5% Malvasia Nera Lunga

Savignola Paolina Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

Velvety tannins encircle rich cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, thyme, licorice, chocolate and a trace of toasted oak. Red apple, peppery spice and a hint of espresso linger on the earthy finish. Voluminous, powerful.

 Chianti Classico Collection | CoNNection 2021 Spotlight:

Francesco Anichini of Vallone di Cecione: A Man Rooted in his History and Land Just as his Vines

Francesco Anichini’s family has been farming and living on the same land for centuries. Sharecroppers; it wasn’t until 1985 that the family came to own the land directly. Tucked into the rolling hills and valleys of Panzano, in the heart of Chianti Classico, the estate is one of the most stunningly beautiful pieces of land I’ve seen.

The estate has always been organic and natural, never once in its long history has a chemical ever been added to the soil. The estate was certified organic in 2010 and has been biodynamic for the past 6 years.

 Francesco Anichini of Vallone di Cecione: A Man Rooted in

Brother and sister Piero and Benedetta Lanza can trace their family estate back to Prince Ginori Conti [1865-1939]. Located in Radda in Chianti, the 12 hectares of organically farmed, mostly Sangiovese vineyards are nestled among olive groves and woods.

The vineyard was planted between 1994- 2004, south-southwest facing, at 400-500 meters in elevation with rocky galestro soils.

Fermented with native yeasts in concrete, transferred to “casks of 20/25hl of Slavonian oak and tonneau of 4/5hl of French oak where the malolactic fermentation takes place” followed by 12 months ageing, bottled then aged for 8 months before release.

Dark garnet in colour, with aromas of black cherry, licorice, leather, bramble and crushed black peppercorn.

Silky layers of all the cherries [red, black, sour], pomegranate, red currant, cracked black pepper, Tuscan underbrush, earth and fresh acidity are framed by grippy tannins. Pomegranate, blackberry, black cherry and cigar box spice linger on the plush finish.

A classic expression of Chianti Classico.

Fattoria Poggerino Chianti Classico DOCG 2015

 Brother and sister Piero and Benedetta Lanza can trace

Happy Thanksgiving from Panzano in Tuscany

 Happy Thanksgiving from Panzano in Tuscany #chianticlassico

Francesco Ricasoli heads the renowned estate.

Following in his great grandfather’s footsteps, he has conducted extensive research on both the soils and vines. He isolated and preserved a biotype of Sangiovese that is unique to Brolio and is now listed in the National Grape Register of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies.

He has also made advances in sustainable viticulture practices and identified 19 different soil types at the estate.

Vines are planted in plots according to the soil’s distinctive characteristics, in order to achieve the highest quality, potential and expression of the terroir.

Grapes are from vineyards with different exposures, at 290 meters to 500 meters above sea level.

The soil is a mix of sandstone, marl, marine deposits, and calcarenites.

Aged for 18 months in tonneaux of first and second usage.

Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, violet, black pepper, candied orange, Tuscan herbs and a wisp of vanilla.

Silky layers of cherry, blackberry, plum, red currant and tobacco wrap around a spicy core.

Big, sleek tannins and fresh acidity fuse with Tuscan underbrush, woodsy oak and cherry on the velvety finish.

Refined, gallant and composed, a harmonious sip.

80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio Riserva DOCG 2015

 The 32nd generation Baron of Brolio, Francesco Ricasoli

The Ricasoli family have been producing and selling wine since the 12th century. Documents establish their winemaking as early as 1141 at the stunning Brolio castle, a dominating structure in Gaiolo Chianti, southwest Tuscany. The oldest wine family in Italy is not only a legend in Chianti Classico, but also around the world, as one of the oldest continuously operating family companies.

Grapes are from vineyards 280 to 480 meters above sea level with greatly varied soils, but all are very stony. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperature of 24°C-27°C (75.2°-80.6°F) with 12/16 days of skin contact. Aged for 9 months in barriques and tonneaux. A further 3-6 months of bottle ageing follows.

Dark transparent garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, black cherry, white pepper, violet, cigar box spice, woodsy oak and a meaty trace.

Cherry, pomegranate, thyme and white pepper are framed by snappy acidity and firm tannins.

Fruit and baking spice linger on lengthy, plush finish.

Well structured, balanced, silky smooth, a quintessential Chianti Classico.

A minimum of 80% Sangiovese, roughly 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio DOCG 2015

 The Ricasoli family have been producing and selling wine

Inviting aromas of candied violet, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, damp terracotta, and a shake of white pepper. Well balanced, with cherry, raspberry and earth framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. Cherry, spice and a clean, earthy minerality return on the dry, elegant finish. Light and agile, an easy drinking, fantastic Chianti Classico, that becomes even more remarkable in view of the challenging vintage of 2014.

13% Alcohol 🍷 Podere Le Cinciole ‘Le Cinciole’ Chianti Classico DOCG 2014

 Inviting aromas of candied violet, raspberry, strawberry

2018 Headliners from Chianti Classico Collection | CoNNection 2021

Overall I have found 2018 Chianti Classico to be well balanced, with a sense of repose and contemplative power.

I am excited to see their progression following a couple of years in the cellar.

Featuring 6 stellar Chianti Classico that I found most distinctive and engaging amongst a sea of fantastic wines exhibited at Chianti Classico Collection | CoNNection 2021 in NYC

 2018 Headliners from Chianti Classico Collection |

Francesco Anichini’s family has been farming and living on the same land for centuries.

The estate has always been organic and natural, never once in its long history has a chemical ever been added to the soil.

Tucked into the rolling hills and valleys of Panzano, in the heart of Chianti Classico, the estate is one of the most stunningly beautiful pieces of land I’ve seen.

Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel vats for about 20 days, with the following passage on its lees for about 3/4 of a month.

Aged for 8 months in large chestnut barrels and at least 4 months in the bottle.

Red violet in colour, very aromatic; with black cherry, rose petal, raspberry, roasted chestnuts, Tuscan underbrush, licorice, truffle and crushed black peppercorn.

Layers of cherry, red currant, pomegranate, strawberry, rose petal, thyme, earth and fresh acidity wrap around a firm tannin and spice backbone.

Licorice, black cherry, strawberry, wisp of roasted chestnut and black pepper infuse the plush finish. Velvety, intricate and expressive, always one of my favourite Chianti Classico.

Vallone di Cecione Chianti Classico DOCG 2018

 Francesco Anichini’s family has been farming and living on

Certified organic, the estate also operates “off the grid”. They produce all of their energy needs thru its solar photovoltaic system and biothermal renewable plant fuels.

Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, earth and soft spice. Soft and velvety, with cherry and strawberry over layers of white pepper, leather and earth. Plush tannins, fruit and soft spice linger between each sip. A lovely, classical balance of fruit/spice/earth/leather notes Chianti Classico is renowned for.

 Casaloste Chianti Classico DOCG 2011 Certified organic, the

Tucked into the rolling hills and valleys of Panzano, the estate has always been organic and natural, never once in its long history has a chemical ever been added to the soil.

The estate was certified organic in 2010 and has been biodynamic for the past 7 years.

Dark garnet in colour, very aromatic, with summer woods, black pepper, cranberry, black cherry, rose petal, Tuscan underbrush and a trace of anise.

All the cherries [black, red and sour], blackberry, pomegranate, white pepper, rose petal and a trace of truffle are framed by wooly tannins and fresh acidity.

Cranberry, black cherry, summer woods and a wisp of campfire smoke linger on the plush finish.

Engaging, velvety, genteel; always one of my favourite Chianti Classico.

Vallone di Cecione Chianti Classico DOCG 2016

Not only certified organic [since 1994], the estate also operates “off the grid”. They produce all of their energy needs thru its solar photovoltaic system and biothermal renewable plant fuels.

Very aromatic; black cherry, stewed plum, white pepper, violets, fresh herbs and earthy minerals.

Plush tannins and bright acidity frame all the cherries [black, red and sour], red currant, a shake of crushed black peppercorn, Tuscan herbs and earth.

Lush fruit and spice linger between each sip.

Fantastic on its own or with a wide variety of dishes, consistently excellent! [Paired with veggie chorizo, mozzarella and chipotle chèvre homemade pizza.] _

 Not only certified organic [since 1994], the estate also

Fresh elegant and snappy 💯% Sangiovese

 And this is just the beginning.... Bovio and Riecine

The stunning view of the rolling hills of Panzano from the vineyards at Le Cinciole. Named after the property’s ancient Etruscan-Roman name, which designated the immediate area as “the lands of Quintius,” the estate was purchased in 1991 by Milan natives Luca and Valeria Orsini.

The estate is certified organic and only natural and sustainable products and methods are used. Fertilizer is obtained from composting the grape skins and the pruning bits from the vines and trees, along with manure. Wheat grass and barley are grown in between the vines. Not only do they supply nutrients to the soil, the roots help aerate, as well. With the life of the soil their focus, they also work with biodynamic preparations.

I was fortunate to have Valeria take me on a tour of the vineyards and cellar, along with a guided tasting of her wines. She was warm, hospitable and wonderfully patient with all of my questions. Her dedication and commitment to the land is exhilarating, and that energizing quality is one of the many characteristics reflected in their wines.

To read more, the URL to my post is: https://caravino.net/2018/02/23/an-afternoon-discovering-the-beauty-of-panzano-sangiovese-at-podere-le-cinciole/

 The stunning view of the rolling hills of Panzano from the

 for a fantastic day of master classes, tastings and catching up with my Tuscan friends! More pics and posts to follow over the next couple of weeks 😀🇮🇹

 per una fantastica giornata di master classes, degustazioni e visite ai miei amici toscani!

 Thanks to @ieemusa  for a fantastic day of master classes

Operating off the grid in the Panzano hills of Chianti Classico, Giovanni Battista d’Orsi, and his wife Emilia are dedicated to sustainable, organic viticulture.

Aged in French oak barrels of 25 and 35 liters and in barriques “for a period of about 12 months”.

Transparent garnet in colour, with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, wisp of roasted chestnut and black pepper. Tangy acidity and firm tannins frame silky layers of black cherry, blackberry, cherry, roasted herbs and a trace of rose petal.

Cranberry, raspberry and toasted spice linger on the earthy, mineral driven finish.

 Operating off the grid in the Panzano hills of Chianti

Located in the stunningly beautiful hills of Panzano in Toscana, the Manetti family philosophy is “Respecting the environment means wines that are better, purer, and a truer expression of the grape and the territory.” Grapes are from old vines in a single vineyard with galestro soil located at the front of the estate.

Fermented in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts for at least 3 weeks, aged for 24 months in Allier barrels.

A velvety fusion of cherry, red currant, plum, white pepper, carnation, mint, crushed rock, leather and underbrush framed by fresh acidity and silky, firm tannins.

Black cherry, earth, iron minerality, baking spice and licorice linger on the plush finish.

_vino for sharing this gem with his students 🙏🏼 100% Sangiovese

Fontodi ‘Vigna del Sorbo’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015