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The Wines of Toscana

Wines of ToscanaAsk a room full of people what their favorite region of Italy is, and the unanimous answer might very easily be Toscana. But ask them why, and you'll likely receive a multitude of answers: picturesque rolling hills, ancient walled villages, signature dishes of Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Coniglio al Vino Bianco, the duomos and plethora of priceless art....And someone is certain to mention the wine: probably Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino— or possibly the darlings of Toscana's modern persona, the Super-Tuscans.

Though each one of these celebrated categories is unique, they all bear a substantive relationship to Sangiovese. In 1990, nearly 10% of all Italian vineyard land (more than 247,000 acres) was planted to some form of Sangiovese (it offers many clonal variations and names to match: Brunello, Prugnolo Gentile, and Morellino, to name but the most familiar). Sangiovese constitutes the principal variety of Toscana's finest reds, the sole grape permitted in Brunello di Montalcino, and the basis of Chianti and the vast majority of Super-Tuscans. In order to begin to understand the nature and significance of its many manifestations, however, one must undergo a brief immersion study in the region's history, the evolution of its wines, and the producers who have championed both.
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Sesti Rosato 2007 Castiglion del Bosco Dainero 2004, 750ml
Our Price: $18.00
Our Price: $22.09
Sesti Rosato 2007 Castiglion del Bosco Dainero 2004
Castiglion del Bosco means Castle in the Woods in Italian and this historic estate is a world truly unto itself, with a six-star hotel, championship golf course and culinary academy. Castiglion del Bosco also possesses a distinguished winemaking history that dates back to the 1800s though commercial production is a much more recent undertaking, beginning only in the mid-20th century, when the estate came under new ownership and many improvements were made. This is a soft, harmonious wine with notes of red currant and spice.
Sardi Giustiniani Quinis Rosso 2007, 750ml Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico 2005, 750ml
Our Price: $24.75
Our Price: $24.99
Sardi Giustiniani Quinis Rosso 2007 Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico 2005
The Fattoria Agricola Sardi Giustiniani is located four kilometres away from Lucca, the well known Tuscan town, in direction of Camaiore (North-East). Its geographic position, particularly devoted to the vine-growing, allows to the South a wide view on the hole plain and on the city of Lucca; showing a perfect union between the beauty of the landscape and the richness of the land. There aren't many estates more dedicated to Chianti than Castello di Cacchiano. Proprietor Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi is dedicated to creating a top-flight expression of Sangiovese and this muscular, well-made wine is a testament to his devotion to the varietal.
Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico 2005, 750ml Sette Ponti Crognolo 2008, 750ml
Our Price: $27.90
Our Price: $30.00
Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico 2005 Sette Ponti Crognolo 2008
Located in Catelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern most part of the Chianti Classico zone, Castell'in Villa is one of the oldest estates in this DOC region. Leonessa Coralia Pignatelli owns and operates the winery and crafts intelligent wines-wines to reflect upon and wines that age for an extremely long time. The 2005 is a full-throttle 100% Sangiovese with a dark red color, a fresh and delicious nose, and a palate of juicy cherry and chewy tannins. Tenuta Sette Ponti's first release was the 1998 vintage Crognolo, named after a wild bush, Cornus, which grows on the estate. The blend of Sangiovese and Merlot from vines of an average age of 25 to 35 years yields a refined, elegantly stylish wine of fruit forward lushness. The wine's dense color suggests a concentration confirmed on the palate along with sweet ripe flavors of wild cherries, black fruit, leather and vanilla also evident in the aromas. The wine is firmly structured yet elegant, with good tannic support and well-integrated oak notes, leaving an overall impression of harmony, balance and length.
Canalicchio di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino 2008, 750ml Enrico Fossi Terrantica 2000, 750ml
Our Price: $31.00
Our Price: $34.30
Canalicchio di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino 2008 Enrico Fossi Terrantica 2000
Often considered Brunello’s “little brother” Rosso di Montalcino is usually not aged in oak as long as Brunello’s three years. Once harvested, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, macerated on skins for 15 to 20 days and spends eight more months in Slavonian oak with an additional year in bottle. The result is a deep, ruby red Rosso di Montalcino, that’s fruity and elegant with an intense aroma. Pasta, roasted meats and mature cheeses are perfect pairings. The Enrico Fossi estate, located just outside Firenze, is one of the most dynamic producers of powerful, almost over-the-top reds, from both native and international varieties. But Fossi also makes this beautiful, rich, barrel-aged white from Pinot Bianco that's an equally impressive--and elegant--offering.
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2006, 750ml Le Trame Chianti Classico 2005, 750ml
Our Price: $36.84
Our Price: $37.13
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2006 Le Trame Chianti Classico 2005 750ml
Resting near Panzano in the epicenter of Toscana's viticulture, Fontodi's vines enjoy a southern aspect, a position in a natural amphitheatre, and marl soil. These optimum conditions allow the grapes to ripen perfectly, therefore creating wines of great character and structure. The natural potential of the grapes combined with the leadership of Marco and Giovanni Manetti (cousins who are sons of the 1968 visionaries) makes for perfection in winemaking. The estate dates back to the 16th century, but her modern era started in 1968 when the Manettis, a Florentine family famous for more than three centuries for their terracotta production, purchased the estate. Giovanna Morganti comes from a long line of winemakers (her father Enzo Morganti was best known for his winemaking efforts at the famous Agricola San Felice.) She produces just one wine at Podere Le Boncie called Le Trame, or "the intrigues," a Chianti Classico that possesses tremendous grace and elegance. Displaying flavors of dark cherries, herbs and earth, it is supple and full of character. It's a wine that will make you fall in love with Chianti--and Sangiovese--all over again.
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, 750ml Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Don Tommaso 2005, 750ml
Our Price: $45.00
Our Price: $46.25
Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2004 Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Don Tommaso 2005
Castello di Cacchiano has been in the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family since the 11th century, and many generations have produced such wines as Chianti Classico, Prosecco, and Vernaccia. There aren't many estates more dedicated to Chianti than Castello di Cacchiano. Proprietor Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi is dedicated to creating a top-flight expression of Sangiovese and this muscular, well-made wine is a testament to his devotion to the varietal. The snappy character of Pecorino is well known by all; it's one of the most commonly enjoyed sheep's milk cheeses made in Italy. And it's a perfect fit for Chianti, one of the country's best-loved wines. This example from the excellent 2005 vintage has aromas of plum, berries and oak and a firm texture. A generous shaving of Pecorino over pasta and a glass of this Pricipe Corsini Chianti is the perfect meal.
Castello di Nipozzano Montesodi Chianti Rufina Riserva 2004, 750ml Tua Rita Perlato del Bosco 2006, 750ml
Our Price: $52.34
Our Price: $55.00
Nipozzano Montesodi Chianti Rufina Riserva 2004
Uncommon richness.  A dense Chianti with dark fruits across the palate fortified by layers of tannins, terroir and minerality.  A pure reflection of Tuscan soils coupled with an abundant fruit flavor profile. Tua Rita's Perlato of Tua Rita began as an all-Sangiovese project but starting with 2003 vintage, the estate blended a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon into the wine, creating a suave, streamlined wine with notes of cassis and bright red fruit along with a penetrating minerality. A mere 1,250 cases were produced of this lovely wine.
Querciabella Camartina 1991 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2004, 375ml
Our Price: $60.00
Our Price: $69.00
Querciabella Camartina 1991 Valdicava Brunello Di Montalcino 2004
The '91 Camartina is clearly planning on doing Camartina proud for another decade at least, though it’s likely to seriously entertain another ten-year run. It’s a mature beauty that has replaced all of youth’s affected allure with a deeply writ understanding of what it has to offer, projected on a layered palate of olive, tar, and earth that fits comfortably into a structure attuned to its every nuance. Vincenzo’s systematic changes have earned Valdicava a place among the elite producers of Brunello di Montalcino. With just 10 hectares in the coldest part of the Brunello zone, he is probably the most exacting grower in the area, managing vegetation so that each grape will enjoy the perfect amount of sun and mercilessly expunging tightly packed grapes to avoid rot and diseases. He has also rebuilt the cellar, where he replaced his grandparents’ botti with stainless steel and oak fermenters and new wood casks for ageing.
Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, 750ml Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2005, 750ml
Our Price: $69.30
Our Price: $73.55
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2005
The Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello is possessed of rich cherry fruit interspersed with layered notes of smoke, minerals, and earth; the firm tannins work well with this profile, rendering it wonderfully drinkable now, yet capable of developing even more with a few years of cellar age.
Il Palazzone Lorenzo e Isabelle 2005, 750ml Poggiomandorlo 2004, 750ml
Our Price: $75.00
Our Price: $78.00
Il Palazzone Lorenzo e Isabelle 2005 Poggiomandorlo 2004
Cabernet Franc rarely gets the lead in a Super-Tuscan blend, but Il Palazzone’s Dick Parsons gave it a shot in this debut bottling, Lorenzo & Isabelle. Named for Parsons’ parents, Lorenzo & Isabelle is comprised of Cabernet Franc (59%), Sangiovese (39%), and Petit Verdot (2%), the last of which, according to Parsons, is “for the nose.” This Super Tuscan blend is a very modern combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the trendy Toscana zone of Maremma. It has notes of cherry and spice, firm tannins and a bright acidity.
   
 
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