Piedmont & Tuscany Luxe Wine Collection
Our Piedmont & Tuscany Luxe Wine Collection. This exquisite 6-pack features the finest wines from two of Italy's most celebrated wine regions, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and luxury. From the bold, complex flavors of Piedmont to the rich, and velvety elegance of Tuscany, each bottle in this collection has been carefully selected to showcase the unique terroir and winemaking mastery of these iconic regions. Perfect for connoisseurs and special occasions, this luxe collection promises an unforgettable tasting journey through Italy's most prestigious vineyards. Indulge in the best of Piedmont and Tuscany with every sip, and savor the unparalleled quality and sophistication of this exceptional wine selection.
1 x Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 - Tuscany, Italy
95/100 James Suckling
93/100 Falstaff
93/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate
93/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic
93/100 5 Stars Wine - The Book - Vinitily
92/100 Wine Spectator
17/20 Jancis Robinson
94/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
94/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic (2015 vintage)
94/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)
92/100 Falstaff (2015 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
91/100 CellarTracker (2015 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2015 vintage)
Silver - The Global Master
Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2015 vintage)
James Suckling "Lovely sweet fruit with plums and cherries, as well as some walnut and smoke character. Fine, polished tannins. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious."
Falstaff "Dark, elegantly radiant ruby. Opens on the nose with notes of black tea, incense, sage, then a little smoke, ripe cherry, wild berry. On the palate dense, taut, very textured, opens with many layers and finely-meshed tannin, warm and precise fruit, lots of energy on the finish."
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "The Rocca delle Macìe 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli is the top-tier wine in this estate's portfolio. A dark and nicely concentrated expression, it shows lots of dark fruit and plum. Despite the pedigree of the vintage, however, this Gran Selezione remains easy and one-dimensional compared to some of its peers from this fortunate growing region of Castellina in Chianti."
James Suckling "Very ripe and rich red with dried-berry, plum, mushroom and bark character on the nose and palate. Fully body. Velvety texture." (2015 vintage)
Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic "Potent and assertive on the nose, displaying dark notes of marasca cherry, dark chocolate, and cassis. Full-bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and an energetic, well-gripped finish. A standout at Casa Rocca delle Macie." (2015 vintage)
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "This is the top-shelf wine from Sergio Zingarelli. His namesake 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli (100% Sangiovese) shows rich concentration and a seamless delivery of aromas that spans from black cherry and plum to spice and moist pipe tobacco. The fruit here is soft and luscious, but the mouthfeel is medium in length. It would turn a platter of modest carne asada soft tacos into an important dinner. " (2015 vintage)
Falstaff "Dunkle Schokolade, cocoa bean, and herbal bitterness. Soft on the palate, initially somewhat powdery, gradually increasing in grainy tannin, a palate structure that already shows initial signs of rounding, to which the impression of a pronounced mild acidity also contributes. A wine that defines itself through its forcefulness." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Underbrush, French oak, leather and camphor aromas waft out of the glass alongside a hint of violet. The full-bodied palate features dried black cherry, coconut, licorice and espresso alongside firm, close-grained tannins."
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
1 x Renato Ratti Barolo 'Marcenasco' Nebbiolo 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy
Bronze - Decanter
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)
Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish."
Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 vintage)
James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 vintage)
The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)
Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.
Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
2 x Conterno Fantino - Barolo Vigna del Gris 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy
95/100 James Suckling
94/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
93/100 Falstaff
91/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous
17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
95/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
93/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2017 vintage)
91/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
96/100 Wine & Spirit Magazine (2016 vintage)
96/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advicate (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
Organic
James Suckling "Dense nose with licorice-tinged, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied and full-fruited palate, then there’s a steady, velvety-tannin build through the long finish. Really well structured and polished. Showing great promise. Excellent 2018 from the Monforte d’Alba zone."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...is elegant and woven tightly together with small berry fruits, redcurrant, wild lilac and violet, crushed stone and licorice root. With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, the wine is streamlined and silky, but you also sense the power and tightness of the inner fiber that locks it all together with seamless precision."
Falstaff "Brilliant ruby red with a delicately lightening edge. Very spicy on the nose, of kitchen herbs, pepper, some aniseed, then leather and wet stone, then again dried rose petals, very varied. Full-bodied on the palate, with very close-meshed tannins, shows a lot of pressure, lacks some draft on the palate overall."
Jancis Robinson "Lustrous ruby. Taut and compact on the nose and slow to reveal itself, except for the minerally savoury hints. Supple, juicy, mouth-filling and complex fruit with a deep layer of slightly drying tannins. Very long aromatic and focused finish but far from ready."
James Suckling "This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there’s plenty of fruit." (2017 vintage)
Falstaff "Luminous ruby red. Opens in the nose to a potpourri of truffles and iron, plus rich cherry fruit and elegant spice, to put away. Dense and polished on the palate, elegant, with handy tannins and plenty of excitement, still looks young, put it away and enjoy it to the full in a few years." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...boasts a slightly more delicate and finessed aromatic approach with tighter weaving and an almost fragile personality." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Boasting well defined cherry, strawberry, currant and floral flavors, this red also reveals a savory side, evoking eucalyptus, sage and white pepper elements. Linear and sinewy, with fine length." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Aromas of underbrush, camphor and cellar floor lead the nose. The assertive palate lacks fruit richness, offering sensations of incense, coconut, licorice and oak alongside extremely astringent tannins." (2017 vintage)
Wine & Spirit Magazine "This wine captures the character of the 2016 vintage with exuberant aromas of rose petals, mint and sage and vibrant red berry and cherry flavors. Those aromas and flavors remain poised and balanced for days after the bottle has been opened, suggesting a long life ahead, though the sheer energy of this wine makes it immensely appealing even now." (2016 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advicate " These well-draining conditions add to the softness and concentrated aromatic intensity of Nebbiolo. In fact, the bouquet here brings us a medley of red and purple fruits with some ripe blackberry and plum. It shows a hint of pretty cherry sweetness with spice, tobacco and candied licorice." (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "Extremely perfumed with ripe strawberries and hints of dried flowers. Hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe, polished tannins. Tight center palate. Very persistent. This is reserved now, but shows beautiful potential. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Focused on bright cherry, black currant and freshly cut hay aromas and flavors, this red is vibrant, verging on racy. Accents of iron, tobacco and tar add complexity, and this is balanced and long on the finish." (2016 vintage)
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals. Certified organic wines by CCPB in Italy.
Founded in 1982, Conterno Fantino testifies to the talent and vision of viticulturist Claudio Conterno and his partner, oenologist Guido Fantino. These great wines start in exceptional vineyard sites in Monforte d’Alba. Conterno Fantino’s historical nucleus is Ginestra, one of Monforte’s historical crus documented as far back as the 1800’s. is based on a hillside close to the village of Monforte d'Alba. The focus of the estate falls to four key grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Chardonnay.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
1 x Esperienza Numero 8 Brunello di Montalcino 2018 - Tuscany, Italy
Winesearcher "This is more affordable than many Brunello di Montalcino wines. Not as widely known as other Brunello di Montalcino wines. This wine has been becoming increasingly popular over the past year."
Vivino, Yomme (Five Star Buyer rating) "Stupendous Sangiovese balanced and already with some complexity."
Vivino, Boris Kingston (Vivino's N# 3 Wine Rater) "Everything you want from a Brunello..... Impressive and delicious. Elegant, integrated barrel and light cherry. Intense and rich bouquet. Palette of rich acidity, marzipan character and juicy, concentrated fruit. Hint of prunes, delichious strawberry, a slight hint of vanilla and a crisp cherry character. And a sureprisingly feature of blueberry. Long finish." (2009 vintage)
Winemaker "Intense ruby red, complex on the nose with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and red berries, well balanced with notes of tobacco and liquorice, also beautiful harmony on the palate, elegant tannins and a long finish, can be stored very well"
Sangiovese 100%
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The company estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna.
Brunello di Montalcino is a wine made with 100% Sangiovese with Italy’s highest DOCG classification. Sangiovese is the wine that most wine critics cite to be the best in all of Italy. Brunello di Montalcino is made with a local Tuscan type of Sangiovese referred to as Brunello or Sangiovese Grosso. Some also call it Prugnolo Gentile. Noted for having thicker-skinned berries, and because of this, Brunello produces wines with exceptionally bold fruit flavors, high tannin, and high acidity. The fruit is a contributes to the enduring popularity of Brunello di Montalcino.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
1 x Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 - Tuscany, Italy
95/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
93/100 Falstaff (2016 vintage)
93/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic (2016 vintage)
93/100 5 Stars Wine - The Book - Vinitily (2016 vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2016 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
94/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic (2015 vintage)
94/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)
92/100 Falstaff (2015 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
91/100 CellarTracker (2015 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2015 vintage)
Silver - The Global Master
Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2015 vintage)
James Suckling "Lovely sweet fruit with plums and cherries, as well as some walnut and smoke character. Fine, polished tannins. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious."
Falstaff "Dark, elegantly radiant ruby. Opens on the nose with notes of black tea, incense, sage, then a little smoke, ripe cherry, wild berry. On the palate dense, taut, very textured, opens with many layers and finely-meshed tannin, warm and precise fruit, lots of energy on the finish."
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "The Rocca delle Macìe 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli is the top-tier wine in this estate's portfolio. A dark and nicely concentrated expression, it shows lots of dark fruit and plum. Despite the pedigree of the vintage, however, this Gran Selezione remains easy and one-dimensional compared to some of its peers from this fortunate growing region of Castellina in Chianti."
James Suckling "Very ripe and rich red with dried-berry, plum, mushroom and bark character on the nose and palate. Fully body. Velvety texture." (2015 vintage)
Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic "Potent and assertive on the nose, displaying dark notes of marasca cherry, dark chocolate, and cassis. Full-bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and an energetic, well-gripped finish. A standout at Casa Rocca delle Macie." (2015 vintage)
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "This is the top-shelf wine from Sergio Zingarelli. His namesake 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli (100% Sangiovese) shows rich concentration and a seamless delivery of aromas that spans from black cherry and plum to spice and moist pipe tobacco. The fruit here is soft and luscious, but the mouthfeel is medium in length. It would turn a platter of modest carne asada soft tacos into an important dinner. " (2015 vintage)
Falstaff "Dunkle Schokolade, cocoa bean, and herbal bitterness. Soft on the palate, initially somewhat powdery, gradually increasing in grainy tannin, a palate structure that already shows initial signs of rounding, to which the impression of a pronounced mild acidity also contributes. A wine that defines itself through its forcefulness." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Underbrush, French oak, leather and camphor aromas waft out of the glass alongside a hint of violet. The full-bodied palate features dried black cherry, coconut, licorice and espresso alongside firm, close-grained tannins."
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Our Piedmont & Tuscany Luxe Wine Collection. This exquisite 6-pack features the finest wines from two of Italy's most celebrated wine regions, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and luxury. From the bold, complex flavors of Piedmont to the rich, and velvety elegance of Tuscany, each bottle in this collection has been carefully selected to showcase the unique terroir and winemaking mastery of these iconic regions. Perfect for connoisseurs and special occasions, this luxe collection promises an unforgettable tasting journey through Italy's most prestigious vineyards. Indulge in the best of Piedmont and Tuscany with every sip, and savor the unparalleled quality and sophistication of this exceptional wine selection.
1 x Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 - Tuscany, Italy
95/100 James Suckling
93/100 Falstaff
93/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate
93/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic
93/100 5 Stars Wine - The Book - Vinitily
92/100 Wine Spectator
17/20 Jancis Robinson
94/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
94/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic (2015 vintage)
94/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)
92/100 Falstaff (2015 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
91/100 CellarTracker (2015 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2015 vintage)
Silver - The Global Master
Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2015 vintage)
James Suckling "Lovely sweet fruit with plums and cherries, as well as some walnut and smoke character. Fine, polished tannins. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious."
Falstaff "Dark, elegantly radiant ruby. Opens on the nose with notes of black tea, incense, sage, then a little smoke, ripe cherry, wild berry. On the palate dense, taut, very textured, opens with many layers and finely-meshed tannin, warm and precise fruit, lots of energy on the finish."
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "The Rocca delle Macìe 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli is the top-tier wine in this estate's portfolio. A dark and nicely concentrated expression, it shows lots of dark fruit and plum. Despite the pedigree of the vintage, however, this Gran Selezione remains easy and one-dimensional compared to some of its peers from this fortunate growing region of Castellina in Chianti."
James Suckling "Very ripe and rich red with dried-berry, plum, mushroom and bark character on the nose and palate. Fully body. Velvety texture." (2015 vintage)
Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic "Potent and assertive on the nose, displaying dark notes of marasca cherry, dark chocolate, and cassis. Full-bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and an energetic, well-gripped finish. A standout at Casa Rocca delle Macie." (2015 vintage)
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "This is the top-shelf wine from Sergio Zingarelli. His namesake 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli (100% Sangiovese) shows rich concentration and a seamless delivery of aromas that spans from black cherry and plum to spice and moist pipe tobacco. The fruit here is soft and luscious, but the mouthfeel is medium in length. It would turn a platter of modest carne asada soft tacos into an important dinner. " (2015 vintage)
Falstaff "Dunkle Schokolade, cocoa bean, and herbal bitterness. Soft on the palate, initially somewhat powdery, gradually increasing in grainy tannin, a palate structure that already shows initial signs of rounding, to which the impression of a pronounced mild acidity also contributes. A wine that defines itself through its forcefulness." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Underbrush, French oak, leather and camphor aromas waft out of the glass alongside a hint of violet. The full-bodied palate features dried black cherry, coconut, licorice and espresso alongside firm, close-grained tannins."
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
1 x Renato Ratti Barolo 'Marcenasco' Nebbiolo 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy
Bronze - Decanter
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)
Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish."
Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 vintage)
James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 vintage)
The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)
Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.
Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
2 x Conterno Fantino - Barolo Vigna del Gris 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy
95/100 James Suckling
94/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
93/100 Falstaff
91/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous
17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
95/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
93/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2017 vintage)
91/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
96/100 Wine & Spirit Magazine (2016 vintage)
96/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advicate (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
Organic
James Suckling "Dense nose with licorice-tinged, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied and full-fruited palate, then there’s a steady, velvety-tannin build through the long finish. Really well structured and polished. Showing great promise. Excellent 2018 from the Monforte d’Alba zone."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...is elegant and woven tightly together with small berry fruits, redcurrant, wild lilac and violet, crushed stone and licorice root. With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, the wine is streamlined and silky, but you also sense the power and tightness of the inner fiber that locks it all together with seamless precision."
Falstaff "Brilliant ruby red with a delicately lightening edge. Very spicy on the nose, of kitchen herbs, pepper, some aniseed, then leather and wet stone, then again dried rose petals, very varied. Full-bodied on the palate, with very close-meshed tannins, shows a lot of pressure, lacks some draft on the palate overall."
Jancis Robinson "Lustrous ruby. Taut and compact on the nose and slow to reveal itself, except for the minerally savoury hints. Supple, juicy, mouth-filling and complex fruit with a deep layer of slightly drying tannins. Very long aromatic and focused finish but far from ready."
James Suckling "This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there’s plenty of fruit." (2017 vintage)
Falstaff "Luminous ruby red. Opens in the nose to a potpourri of truffles and iron, plus rich cherry fruit and elegant spice, to put away. Dense and polished on the palate, elegant, with handy tannins and plenty of excitement, still looks young, put it away and enjoy it to the full in a few years." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...boasts a slightly more delicate and finessed aromatic approach with tighter weaving and an almost fragile personality." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Boasting well defined cherry, strawberry, currant and floral flavors, this red also reveals a savory side, evoking eucalyptus, sage and white pepper elements. Linear and sinewy, with fine length." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Aromas of underbrush, camphor and cellar floor lead the nose. The assertive palate lacks fruit richness, offering sensations of incense, coconut, licorice and oak alongside extremely astringent tannins." (2017 vintage)
Wine & Spirit Magazine "This wine captures the character of the 2016 vintage with exuberant aromas of rose petals, mint and sage and vibrant red berry and cherry flavors. Those aromas and flavors remain poised and balanced for days after the bottle has been opened, suggesting a long life ahead, though the sheer energy of this wine makes it immensely appealing even now." (2016 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advicate " These well-draining conditions add to the softness and concentrated aromatic intensity of Nebbiolo. In fact, the bouquet here brings us a medley of red and purple fruits with some ripe blackberry and plum. It shows a hint of pretty cherry sweetness with spice, tobacco and candied licorice." (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "Extremely perfumed with ripe strawberries and hints of dried flowers. Hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe, polished tannins. Tight center palate. Very persistent. This is reserved now, but shows beautiful potential. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Focused on bright cherry, black currant and freshly cut hay aromas and flavors, this red is vibrant, verging on racy. Accents of iron, tobacco and tar add complexity, and this is balanced and long on the finish." (2016 vintage)
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals. Certified organic wines by CCPB in Italy.
Founded in 1982, Conterno Fantino testifies to the talent and vision of viticulturist Claudio Conterno and his partner, oenologist Guido Fantino. These great wines start in exceptional vineyard sites in Monforte d’Alba. Conterno Fantino’s historical nucleus is Ginestra, one of Monforte’s historical crus documented as far back as the 1800’s. is based on a hillside close to the village of Monforte d'Alba. The focus of the estate falls to four key grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Chardonnay.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
1 x Esperienza Numero 8 Brunello di Montalcino 2018 - Tuscany, Italy
Winesearcher "This is more affordable than many Brunello di Montalcino wines. Not as widely known as other Brunello di Montalcino wines. This wine has been becoming increasingly popular over the past year."
Vivino, Yomme (Five Star Buyer rating) "Stupendous Sangiovese balanced and already with some complexity."
Vivino, Boris Kingston (Vivino's N# 3 Wine Rater) "Everything you want from a Brunello..... Impressive and delicious. Elegant, integrated barrel and light cherry. Intense and rich bouquet. Palette of rich acidity, marzipan character and juicy, concentrated fruit. Hint of prunes, delichious strawberry, a slight hint of vanilla and a crisp cherry character. And a sureprisingly feature of blueberry. Long finish." (2009 vintage)
Winemaker "Intense ruby red, complex on the nose with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and red berries, well balanced with notes of tobacco and liquorice, also beautiful harmony on the palate, elegant tannins and a long finish, can be stored very well"
Sangiovese 100%
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The company estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna.
Brunello di Montalcino is a wine made with 100% Sangiovese with Italy’s highest DOCG classification. Sangiovese is the wine that most wine critics cite to be the best in all of Italy. Brunello di Montalcino is made with a local Tuscan type of Sangiovese referred to as Brunello or Sangiovese Grosso. Some also call it Prugnolo Gentile. Noted for having thicker-skinned berries, and because of this, Brunello produces wines with exceptionally bold fruit flavors, high tannin, and high acidity. The fruit is a contributes to the enduring popularity of Brunello di Montalcino.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
1 x Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 - Tuscany, Italy
95/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
93/100 Falstaff (2016 vintage)
93/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic (2016 vintage)
93/100 5 Stars Wine - The Book - Vinitily (2016 vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2016 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
94/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic (2015 vintage)
94/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parket, Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)
92/100 Falstaff (2015 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
91/100 CellarTracker (2015 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2015 vintage)
Silver - The Global Master
Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2015 vintage)
James Suckling "Lovely sweet fruit with plums and cherries, as well as some walnut and smoke character. Fine, polished tannins. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious."
Falstaff "Dark, elegantly radiant ruby. Opens on the nose with notes of black tea, incense, sage, then a little smoke, ripe cherry, wild berry. On the palate dense, taut, very textured, opens with many layers and finely-meshed tannin, warm and precise fruit, lots of energy on the finish."
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "The Rocca delle Macìe 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli is the top-tier wine in this estate's portfolio. A dark and nicely concentrated expression, it shows lots of dark fruit and plum. Despite the pedigree of the vintage, however, this Gran Selezione remains easy and one-dimensional compared to some of its peers from this fortunate growing region of Castellina in Chianti."
James Suckling "Very ripe and rich red with dried-berry, plum, mushroom and bark character on the nose and palate. Fully body. Velvety texture." (2015 vintage)
Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic "Potent and assertive on the nose, displaying dark notes of marasca cherry, dark chocolate, and cassis. Full-bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and an energetic, well-gripped finish. A standout at Casa Rocca delle Macie." (2015 vintage)
Robert Parket, Wine Advocate "This is the top-shelf wine from Sergio Zingarelli. His namesake 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli (100% Sangiovese) shows rich concentration and a seamless delivery of aromas that spans from black cherry and plum to spice and moist pipe tobacco. The fruit here is soft and luscious, but the mouthfeel is medium in length. It would turn a platter of modest carne asada soft tacos into an important dinner. " (2015 vintage)
Falstaff "Dunkle Schokolade, cocoa bean, and herbal bitterness. Soft on the palate, initially somewhat powdery, gradually increasing in grainy tannin, a palate structure that already shows initial signs of rounding, to which the impression of a pronounced mild acidity also contributes. A wine that defines itself through its forcefulness." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Underbrush, French oak, leather and camphor aromas waft out of the glass alongside a hint of violet. The full-bodied palate features dried black cherry, coconut, licorice and espresso alongside firm, close-grained tannins."
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.