Red Wine Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2019. The Castello La Leccia winery is located in Castellina in Chianti. The vineyards are located in five different areas around the central core of the Castle at altitudes ranging from 300 to 500 meters above sea level. They are exposed to the south and southwest and have their roots in clayey soils rich in limestone and marl. The company focuses on the production of Chianti Classico, which is the true expression of Sangiovese, and the exceptional terroir of Castellina in Chianti. In fact, international vines are never used for the production of Chianti which, with the exception of 2% of Malvasia Nera within the Chianti Riserva, is produced exclusively with Sangiovese. The vines are organically grown. Each vineyard is harvested and vinified separately, and fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. After racking, the wine continues malolactic fermentation in cement or wood. This scented Chianti Classico shows elegant aromas of ripe cherries, rose petals, and thyme, followed by pepper, tobacco, and a menthol note. On the palate, it is energetic with medium structure, soft tannins and fresh acidity. There is a lot of fruit and a long juicy aftertaste. Ideally paired with savory first courses of meat, ribollita, and pork filet with balsamic vinegar.
2019
Red Wine Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2019
Red Wine Castello Romitorio Chianti Colli Senesi 2019. The dramatic ancient fortress of Castello Romitorio sits on a high hill to the northwest of Montalcino, occupying a stunning site that was previously used as a Roman castle and a monastery. Today the estate has 15 acres of vineyards that are overseen by consultant winemaker Carlo Ferrini who has worked with top Tuscan names including San Leonardo. The property was acquired in the 1980s by artist Sandro Chia who became part of the movement to modernise Montalcino’s winemaking scene in the 1980s and set the estate’s philosophy of creating exceptional wines. This easy-going Chianti is made with top quality fruit from the Colli Senesi or Siena hills” appellation in southern Tuscany. The area offers thick oak forests, ancient vineyards and a fairly cool climate ideal for crafting elegant red wines. The grapes are all picked by hand and the young wine is aged in oak for 10 months to preserve plenty of pure varietal character and aromatics. The nose is bursting with ripe red cherry and redcurrant notes from the Sangiovese which deepen on the palate into hints of baked earth, spice and dried herbs. There’s a medium body, fine tannins and a freshness which brings balance to the ripe fruit flavours. A vibrant and youthful wine ideal to serve with Italian charcuterie, pastas, pizzas or a selection of cheeses.
2019
Red Wine Castello Romitorio Romitoro 2019. Castello Romitorio is an impressive castle standing high on a hill to the northwest of the Tuscan town of Montalcino. The first castle on the site was built by the Romans, with the property later used as a monastery and a shepherds’ shelter. The estate was acquired by the artist Sandro Chia in the 1980s in exchange for some of his paintings. Sandro used the building to house his studio as well as joining the local movement to revitalise Montalcino’s winemaking industry. Today winemaking at Castello Romitorio is overseen by famous winemaking consultant Carlo Ferrini who has worked with many of the region’s top names including San Leonardo. As well as their classic Brunello wines, the estate has also experimented with international grape varieties as in this bottling which combines Syrah and Petit Verdot. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand to ensure quality and the young wine ages in oak for 12 months before bottling. The result is a lively, fruit-forward Super Tuscan blend that’s bursting with dark berries, plums and ripe cherries. On the palate there’s a generous medium body, firm tannins and a long finish seasoned with toasty oak, cedar and cigar box spice from the oak ageing.
2019