Tuscan & Piedmont Prestige 6 Pack Value
The "Tuscan & Piedmont Prestige 6 Pack Value" offers a curated selection of top-tier wines from Italy's prestigious Piedmont and Tuscany regions. This six-pack features a variety of reds and whites, each showcasing the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of these renowned areas. Perfect for wine lovers, this collection provides an exceptional tasting journey through two of Italy's most celebrated wine regions, all at a great value.
1 x Castello di Gabiano - Barbera D'ASTI ""La Braja"" 2017 ~ Piedmont, Italy
91/100 James Suckling (2015 Vintage)
88/100 Wine Enthusiast (2013 Vintage)
The Winemaker “Deep ruby with violet shades. Primary red fruit notes, followed by light spices and tobacco fragrances are balanced with soft tannins and a medium finish. This wine pairs well with salami, roast chicken and game, mushroom dishes, and medium-aged cheese.”
Kerin O'Keefe "Dark berry, red-plum and cooking spice aromas emerge from the glass. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, black pepper and star anise alongside pliant tannins." (2013 Vintage)
While we do not yet have critic reviews for this 2017 vintage, previous vintages – such as the 2015 – have scored very well.
The Monferrato appellation is a hilly area situated between the Po and Tanaro rivers, boarding the Apennine Mountains. An ancient winemaking region dating back to 1200 BC, this was a prized production area for the Roman Empire. The Castello di Gabiano estate has been producing wine for just as long, with natural cellars dug into rock, which are still in use today.
Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno, the last Marquis of Gabiano, and his wife, Emanuela, manage the estate and specialise in the Barbera grape. Best-known for its starring role in Piedmont's Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti wines, Barbera is a northern Italian grape producing fresh, light-bodied red wines with low tannins. Alongside Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, it is synonymous with Piedmont.
85% Barbera, 10% Freisa, 5% Grignolino
1 x Reversanti Prosecco Extra Dry DOC - Piedmont, Italy
Winemaker "Straw yellow with a marvelous floral and fruity bouquet. In the mouth is mellow, rich and flavorful, with fine and persistent perlage."
100% Glera
Alcohol: 11%
Prosecco is made from the white grape Glera and is mainly used for making Preosecco in north eastern Italy. Known for fruity and floral flavors like apple, pear, and peach, it's prized for its high acidity, making it ideal for crafting refreshing sparkling wines. Glera was formerly named Prosecco, it was renamed Glera to protect the Prosecco regional name.
The Reversanti line now also includes other Piemontese wines: a golden Piemontese, fresh and deliciously aromatic: sweet Moscato d’Asti and the inevitable Barbera d’Asti, once considered a “rustic” wine, due to its high acidity, today it has increased its fame, thanks to modern and appropriate winemaking processes.
The “king of wines and wine of kings” Barolo, and his youngest relative, Barbaresco, should be mandatory tasting experiences within a wider culture of good drinking, not only for their stellar quality, but for their unique style. Unlike other Italian masterpieces that can be accompanied with more international grapes and flavors, these great classics are best expressed with their territorial typicality (100% Nebbiolo), following the rigorous Piemontese standards. Unlike many Barolo and Barbaresco on the market, which require considerable aging in order to express themselves in the best way and be more appreciated, the philosophy of Reversanti is to make each vintage directly accessible for release.
Piedmont (Piemonte) enjoys an unrivalled seat among the world's very finest wine regions. It is home to more DOCG wines than any other Italian region, among them such well known and respected names as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera d'Asti. Although famous for its austere, tannic, and floral red wines made from Nebbiolo, Piedmont's greatest success story in the past decade has been sweet, white, sparkling Moscato d'Asti.
1 x Giulio Straccali Chianti 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - James Suckling
Bronze - James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2017 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2016 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica) 85%, Canaiolo & Merlot 15%
James Suckling "cherry and orange-peel character. Some light chocolate, too. Light body, firm tannins and a fresh finish."
James Suckling "A delicate, fruity Chianti with cherry, floral and dried-citrus character. It’s medium-to light-bodied with a fresh finish." (2019 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The core flavor of cherry is shaded by earth, iron and leafy underbrush notes. Fills out midpalate, ending on the astringent side." (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "Slightly candied fruit to this Chianti with medium body, soft texture and an easy finish." (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "Aromas of lemon rind, cherries and iron follow through to a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins. A fresh finish. A light and delicious red."(2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The flavors of cherry jam are backed by light yet firm tannins in this easygoing red." (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "The nose of this red suggests dark cherries with cracked pepper and fresh herbs. Shows raspberry flavors with a fine thread of acidity that guides the palate to a clean finish." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "This easy-drinking Chianti opens with subtle red-skinned fruit and leather aromas. The tannins are rather evolved for such a young, simple wine, so drink soon to capture the red cherry and raspberry fruit." (2015 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Cherry pie and strawberry jam flavors are bright in this straightforward, fruity red. Firms up, with a pleasantly astringent finish." (2015 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded by its namesake Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. An expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer, Giulio Straccali was above all a man of vision. Through the wines of Tuscany, he sought to communicate to the rest of the world the scents, colors and flavors of his beloved homeland. Convinced of the need to protect and nurture the reputation and quality of Chianti wines, Straccali consistently showed a pioneering spirit. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, he served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term business strategy and sharing the same dream set out by Giulio Straccali many decades earlier, purchased the company from the Straccali family.
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.
85%.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.
The Canaiolo Nero grape is particularly widespread in central Italy, used in the production of different DOC and DOCG wines. In particular it is used to impart softness to Chianti to stand alongside the Sangiovese. In addition to the Chianti, Canaiolo nero is used almost exclusively in blends, even for different wines of central Italy. The berry is black, medium, round and smooth with blue-violet consistent skin with much bloom. The bunch is medium, rather sparse, stubby or pyramidal, with one or two wings and with a medium-small, five-lobed, rarely three-lobed, dark green and opaque leaf. The grape Canaiolo nero prefers warm climates and hilly terrain, with good exposure. This grape has low vigor and medium age of maturation. The grape Canaiolo nero gives an intense ruby-red wine, alcoholic, but with low acidity. Blended with Sangiovese adds flavor and aroma.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
2 x Rocca delle Macie Chianti Riserva 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
90/100 Vic Harradine (2019 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2018)
Bronze - Decanter (2015)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Sangiovese 90%, Merlot 5% and Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Vic Harradine " It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste.....Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily Sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca."
James Suckling "Cherry and orange peel with some spice. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh, savory finish. Sangiovese with some cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Delicious now." (2018 vintage)
Decanter "...packed tight with ripe fruit flavors and sunshine-driven aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry confit. Indeed, the wine is too ripe for my tastes, with a taste profile that stops just short of jammy and sweet. Dried cherry and blackcurrant are followed by tar, smoke and cured leather." (2015 vintage)
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when Italo Zingarelli – producer of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much”, and also of 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 is located in Tuscany, that romantic area of central Italy known for its sweeping landscapes, burning hot sun and its wealth of art and food history. Like most other wines made in the Old World, Chianti derives its name not from the grape used to make the wine, which is Sangiovese, but from the region where it is made.
For a Chianti to be a Chianti, it must be produced in the Chianti region and be made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. While most Chiantis are 100% Sangiovese, some winemakers in the region like to blend the Sangiovese with a little Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah to soften the finish of the wine.
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."
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.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2011)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2011)
3 Stars - Vini Buoni d'Italia (2011)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Wine Enthusiast Magazine "This is the kind of easy Italian white that would taste delicious at an outdoor barbecue or on a hot afternoon. The wine is light, lean and loaded with fresh citrus flavors." (2012 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Aromas include white peach and grapefruit pith. The natural crispness of the variety gives this wine extra pop on the otherwise mild finish." (2012 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The almond, straw, apple and melon flavors get a boost from the acidity and briny elements in this white. Offers a crisp and minerally finish." (2011 vintage)
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."
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a wine served on the tables of popes and kings, it was the first DOC in Italy. Perfect to be combined with fish, white meats, cheeses. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is planted in over 730 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Tuscany in a extraordinary land, rich in biodiversity.
The "Tuscan & Piedmont Prestige 6 Pack Value" offers a curated selection of top-tier wines from Italy's prestigious Piedmont and Tuscany regions. This six-pack features a variety of reds and whites, each showcasing the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of these renowned areas. Perfect for wine lovers, this collection provides an exceptional tasting journey through two of Italy's most celebrated wine regions, all at a great value.
1 x Castello di Gabiano - Barbera D'ASTI ""La Braja"" 2017 ~ Piedmont, Italy
91/100 James Suckling (2015 Vintage)
88/100 Wine Enthusiast (2013 Vintage)
The Winemaker “Deep ruby with violet shades. Primary red fruit notes, followed by light spices and tobacco fragrances are balanced with soft tannins and a medium finish. This wine pairs well with salami, roast chicken and game, mushroom dishes, and medium-aged cheese.”
Kerin O'Keefe "Dark berry, red-plum and cooking spice aromas emerge from the glass. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, black pepper and star anise alongside pliant tannins." (2013 Vintage)
While we do not yet have critic reviews for this 2017 vintage, previous vintages – such as the 2015 – have scored very well.
The Monferrato appellation is a hilly area situated between the Po and Tanaro rivers, boarding the Apennine Mountains. An ancient winemaking region dating back to 1200 BC, this was a prized production area for the Roman Empire. The Castello di Gabiano estate has been producing wine for just as long, with natural cellars dug into rock, which are still in use today.
Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno, the last Marquis of Gabiano, and his wife, Emanuela, manage the estate and specialise in the Barbera grape. Best-known for its starring role in Piedmont's Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti wines, Barbera is a northern Italian grape producing fresh, light-bodied red wines with low tannins. Alongside Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, it is synonymous with Piedmont.
85% Barbera, 10% Freisa, 5% Grignolino
1 x Reversanti Prosecco Extra Dry DOC - Piedmont, Italy
Winemaker "Straw yellow with a marvelous floral and fruity bouquet. In the mouth is mellow, rich and flavorful, with fine and persistent perlage."
100% Glera
Alcohol: 11%
Prosecco is made from the white grape Glera and is mainly used for making Preosecco in north eastern Italy. Known for fruity and floral flavors like apple, pear, and peach, it's prized for its high acidity, making it ideal for crafting refreshing sparkling wines. Glera was formerly named Prosecco, it was renamed Glera to protect the Prosecco regional name.
The Reversanti line now also includes other Piemontese wines: a golden Piemontese, fresh and deliciously aromatic: sweet Moscato d’Asti and the inevitable Barbera d’Asti, once considered a “rustic” wine, due to its high acidity, today it has increased its fame, thanks to modern and appropriate winemaking processes.
The “king of wines and wine of kings” Barolo, and his youngest relative, Barbaresco, should be mandatory tasting experiences within a wider culture of good drinking, not only for their stellar quality, but for their unique style. Unlike other Italian masterpieces that can be accompanied with more international grapes and flavors, these great classics are best expressed with their territorial typicality (100% Nebbiolo), following the rigorous Piemontese standards. Unlike many Barolo and Barbaresco on the market, which require considerable aging in order to express themselves in the best way and be more appreciated, the philosophy of Reversanti is to make each vintage directly accessible for release.
Piedmont (Piemonte) enjoys an unrivalled seat among the world's very finest wine regions. It is home to more DOCG wines than any other Italian region, among them such well known and respected names as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera d'Asti. Although famous for its austere, tannic, and floral red wines made from Nebbiolo, Piedmont's greatest success story in the past decade has been sweet, white, sparkling Moscato d'Asti.
1 x Giulio Straccali Chianti 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - James Suckling
Bronze - James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2017 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2016 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica) 85%, Canaiolo & Merlot 15%
James Suckling "cherry and orange-peel character. Some light chocolate, too. Light body, firm tannins and a fresh finish."
James Suckling "A delicate, fruity Chianti with cherry, floral and dried-citrus character. It’s medium-to light-bodied with a fresh finish." (2019 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The core flavor of cherry is shaded by earth, iron and leafy underbrush notes. Fills out midpalate, ending on the astringent side." (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "Slightly candied fruit to this Chianti with medium body, soft texture and an easy finish." (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "Aromas of lemon rind, cherries and iron follow through to a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins. A fresh finish. A light and delicious red."(2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The flavors of cherry jam are backed by light yet firm tannins in this easygoing red." (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "The nose of this red suggests dark cherries with cracked pepper and fresh herbs. Shows raspberry flavors with a fine thread of acidity that guides the palate to a clean finish." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "This easy-drinking Chianti opens with subtle red-skinned fruit and leather aromas. The tannins are rather evolved for such a young, simple wine, so drink soon to capture the red cherry and raspberry fruit." (2015 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Cherry pie and strawberry jam flavors are bright in this straightforward, fruity red. Firms up, with a pleasantly astringent finish." (2015 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded by its namesake Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. An expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer, Giulio Straccali was above all a man of vision. Through the wines of Tuscany, he sought to communicate to the rest of the world the scents, colors and flavors of his beloved homeland. Convinced of the need to protect and nurture the reputation and quality of Chianti wines, Straccali consistently showed a pioneering spirit. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, he served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term business strategy and sharing the same dream set out by Giulio Straccali many decades earlier, purchased the company from the Straccali family.
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.
85%.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.
The Canaiolo Nero grape is particularly widespread in central Italy, used in the production of different DOC and DOCG wines. In particular it is used to impart softness to Chianti to stand alongside the Sangiovese. In addition to the Chianti, Canaiolo nero is used almost exclusively in blends, even for different wines of central Italy. The berry is black, medium, round and smooth with blue-violet consistent skin with much bloom. The bunch is medium, rather sparse, stubby or pyramidal, with one or two wings and with a medium-small, five-lobed, rarely three-lobed, dark green and opaque leaf. The grape Canaiolo nero prefers warm climates and hilly terrain, with good exposure. This grape has low vigor and medium age of maturation. The grape Canaiolo nero gives an intense ruby-red wine, alcoholic, but with low acidity. Blended with Sangiovese adds flavor and aroma.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
2 x Rocca delle Macie Chianti Riserva 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
90/100 Vic Harradine (2019 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2018)
Bronze - Decanter (2015)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Sangiovese 90%, Merlot 5% and Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Vic Harradine " It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste.....Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily Sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca."
James Suckling "Cherry and orange peel with some spice. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh, savory finish. Sangiovese with some cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Delicious now." (2018 vintage)
Decanter "...packed tight with ripe fruit flavors and sunshine-driven aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry confit. Indeed, the wine is too ripe for my tastes, with a taste profile that stops just short of jammy and sweet. Dried cherry and blackcurrant are followed by tar, smoke and cured leather." (2015 vintage)
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when Italo Zingarelli – producer of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much”, and also of 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 is located in Tuscany, that romantic area of central Italy known for its sweeping landscapes, burning hot sun and its wealth of art and food history. Like most other wines made in the Old World, Chianti derives its name not from the grape used to make the wine, which is Sangiovese, but from the region where it is made.
For a Chianti to be a Chianti, it must be produced in the Chianti region and be made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. While most Chiantis are 100% Sangiovese, some winemakers in the region like to blend the Sangiovese with a little Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah to soften the finish of the wine.
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."
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.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2011)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2011)
3 Stars - Vini Buoni d'Italia (2011)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Wine Enthusiast Magazine "This is the kind of easy Italian white that would taste delicious at an outdoor barbecue or on a hot afternoon. The wine is light, lean and loaded with fresh citrus flavors." (2012 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Aromas include white peach and grapefruit pith. The natural crispness of the variety gives this wine extra pop on the otherwise mild finish." (2012 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The almond, straw, apple and melon flavors get a boost from the acidity and briny elements in this white. Offers a crisp and minerally finish." (2011 vintage)
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."
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a wine served on the tables of popes and kings, it was the first DOC in Italy. Perfect to be combined with fish, white meats, cheeses. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is planted in over 730 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Tuscany in a extraordinary land, rich in biodiversity.