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. Problem is, Parsons, an admitted Franc-ophile, intended L & I to be a one-time-only thing. We can only hope that Franc’s got a future at Il Palazzone—with a limited case production of 565, L & I is going to have a very limited run.
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.” While designed for earlier approachability than the estate’s Brunello (the average elevation of the relevant vineyard sources, 250 meters above sea level, is lower than that pertaining to the Brunello), L & I’s traditional ageing regimen suggests a significant aging potential as well: following a lengthy period of maceration, L & I is aged in 250-hectoliter barrels for a period of 16 months; prior to release, it receives six months’ refinement in bottle. Like Argiano’s Solengo, L & I’s constituents fashion an intriguing persona, with that Petit Verdot making its presence known in the wine’s deep purple hues and tannic grip. On the palate, dark fruits are complemented by firm tannins (the latter of which signify not only the work of Petit Verdot but a moderate degree of oak aging), rendering this wine a suitable candidate for further aging and maturity.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Toscana
- Subregion/Appellation: Toscana IGT
The name says it all. Il Palazzone means “The Big Palace,” and even though this Montalcino estate is merely 20 acres, (10 of which are for Brunello), the wines produced are worthy of the grand title. Under the watchful eye of estate owner, former Time Warner chairman Richard Parsons, and winemaker Paolo Vagaggini, Il Palazzone wines exhibit a complex character with the ability to age for years and years.
A love of Toscana and the wines of the region brought Parsons to the estate in 2000. Dividing his time between New York and Italy, he frequently checks in on the vines and cellar, ensuring the quality of his grapes and wines are maintained and that Il Palazzone wines retain their elegance. Fortunately, he purchased an estate with some of the most perfect soils and climate for cultivating Sangiovese. Resting 480 meters above sea level, the vineyards receive ample cool breezes to preserve the fruits’ natural flavors; the chalky soils impart just the right minerals, and a deep root system allow for resilient vines during times of drought.
Adding to the classic quality of the wine, all are produced in accordance with the traditional DOCG aging regulation of two years, though, Il Palazzone give their Brunello additional aging beyond this point. The wine receives three or more years in wood to guarantee its ability to mature and improve throughout the years.
Until recently, Il Palazzone focused exclusively on the area’s traditional bottling: Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva and Rosso di Montalcino. In 2005, Parsons premiered Lorenzo & Isabelle, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is a celebration of his love for Super Tuscans and his parents, whom the wine is named after.
Only 400 to 650 cases are produced each year for the Brunello di Montalcino and Riserva, so grab one of Il Palazzone’s most elegant expressions of Sangiovese.
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