Mixed Case – Under the Tuscan Sun

Tasting Notes

We have heard from our Italian friends that their country is terribly crowded with tourists these days. So save yourself the trouble of travel and take a wine tour from the comfort of your home.

This case includes 3 bottles of 4 different wines showcasing a variety of styles all based on the signature grape of Tuscany – Sangiovese. Two wines are typical representations of their regulated growing zones : Chianti Classico and Chianti Rufina; two others fall outside the classic DOC/DOCG structure and are classified as Rosso di Toscana IGT. We also have one wine each from 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

$31 per bottle; $372 case of 12

Tenimenti Ricci Ricciolo 2020 Toscana Rosso:
A bit of a departure from the more typical Tuscan Sangiovese blends which incorporate Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2020 Ricciolo (“curls” in Italian) is a blend of 80% Sangiovese with 20% Syrah.

The wine is matured in stainless steel for 8 months to preserve the fresh, fruit driven aromas and flavours.
We quite enjoy this wine for the deep colour imparted by the Syrah with notes of pepper and purple flowers that are delivered along with the acidity and spicy red fruit typical of the Sangiovese.

Biondi Santi Braccale 2019, Maremma Rosso:
A great food-friendly Tuscan red made from Sangiovese (the family’s own BBS11 clone used in Biondi Santi Brunello) and softened with the addition of 20% Merlot. The vines are grown in the hilly zone of Scansano. To highlight the natural fruit notes of the grapes, the wine sees no wood and is aged in stainless steel vats for 10 months prior to bottling.

This wine opens with a bouquet highlighting red fruits along with notes of spice and wild flowers. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, smooth and soft, balancing Sangiovese delicacy with the roundness of Merlot. The finish is quite dry with noticeable tannins that are nicely extended. Drink now and over the next 4 years.

Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico 2018:
This is a traditional Chianti Classico from one of the original founders of the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico. Red ruby colour with purplish reflections in its youth. Intense nose, rich in fruity aromas such as cherry and blackberry and floral notes of red rose. Well balanced and slightly savoury with a touch of oak.

Colognole Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don 2015:
Why ‘Riserva del Don’? In Southern Italy, from whence the family originated, tradition held that the “Don” (property owner) was to be gifted a small, but premium part of each vintage

The wine is only produced in the best vintages, 100% Sangiovese, aged 24 months in a selection of French and Slavonian oak barrels. Maturation in oak has softened the tannins somewhat, but they are still impressive, serving to extend the palate and contribute to the texture without being harsh or drying. Expect a deep, lively, ruby colour while the nose reveals a complex, balanced amalgam of ripe fruit, dense berries, red rose and pungent balsam.