The Sangiovese Trail 

Grattamacco is a great classic, one of the most important Bolgheri of the appellation in terms of history and quality. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 65% - Merlot 20% - Sangiovese 15%  that is grown in a 10-hectare vineyard, at an altitude of 100 m above sea level, and is fermented in open truncated conical wooden vats.

Maturation takes place in first and second passage barriques for 18 months, with further refinement in the bottle. The result is a great intense and elegant wine with characteristic fruity and Mediterranean aromas. An extraordinary wine when young but capable of giving great emotions over the years.

In the glass it shows a beautiful dark ruby red color; intense fruity aromas arrive on the nose with clear balsamic hints and nuances of Mediterranean scrub. Well integrated wood notes offer an elegant smoky finish. The taste is decidedly fresh, the tannic texture and the pleasant acid perception accompany the persistent finish, where the savory and mineral notes return overbearingly.

A structured red that goes perfectly with red meats; served with Chianina fillet it represents a perfect marriage!

Usually, I don’t rate the Brunello Riservas much above the regular Brunellos, but there are a few cases that deserve a lot of attention when they are made!  I say this with careful choice of wording.  “When they are made” in the case of Andrea Costanti’s Riserva, means it really is only  made in the best years! This is no marketing exercise from Andrea, but only because he understands the need to have 2 wines that really can distinguish themselves apart, especially when given their due time in the bottle and cellar.

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We’ll have an opportunity to witness this difference and see the immense character Brunellos can arrive at, when made with a particular philosophy.

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Of course, the consistent ratings  and awards for his “simple” Rosso di Montalcino and “regular” Brunello shouldn’t be overlooked either, but his Riserva is truly a Brunello to be revered and appreciated.

This is their oldest label of Vino Nobile and the most representative of their philosophy.

Since its first vintage in 1968, it has continued to represent almost half of their total production. Its composition and aging have remained largely unchanged and today the De Ferrari family produce about 50,000 bottles yearly.

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Their approach to Vino Nobile remains the creation of an ideal of a wine that combines freshness, elegance, complexity and great aging potential.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione comes from the best vineyards, located on the hills around Gaiole in Chianti, a splendid Tuscan village in the province of Siena. The winery, whose foundation dates back to the 70s, now manages 16 hectares of vineyards.

Sangiovese grapes are vinified in steel vats at a controlled temperature, after which the wine obtained in truncated Slavonian oak vats from 13 to 30 hl is aged for at least 12 months.

Ruby red in the glass, the nose develops on scents of purple and red fruits, with very pleasant notes of rosemary. The sip is fine and balanced, from the long finale.

Ideal in combination with first courses with meat and mushroom sauces, red meats both grilled and roasted and aged or semi-seasoned cheeses.