Oct 23 2009
TRUE TUSCANY: Wine Tasting Sat. Oct. 24, Concord
“TRUE TUSCANY”
Wines that truly express the soul of Tuscany are off the beaten “Strada del Vino.” VINTAGES investigates.
“2007 MONTEVERTINE “Pian del Ciampolo” $27
Earlier this year I was able to visit Martino Manetti at his historic estate in Radda, to see first-hand what makes Montevertine such a singular estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. High altitude, cool micro-climate, stony mineral-laden, old-vine vineyards, and an unshakable commitment to their signature varietal, Sangiovese (modern name for ‘Sangioveto’). Montevertine was the first winery in Chianti to make 100% Sangiovese wine in 1977. Also, they were the first to use French barrique (although you would never know it from tasting the wine). “Pian Del Ciampolo” is the ‘house wine’ of Montevertine, consistently revealing the elegance, grace and finesse of the estate for a lot less $ than their benchmark wine, “Le Pergole Torte.” Pale ruby color, followed by beautiful aromas of delicate cherry fruit, powdery minerals, and notes of wild herbs. An exceedingly fine and elegant wine! A finesse favorite, featured in Saturday’s wine tasting in West Concord: “True Tuscany.”
2004 CASTELLO dei VOLPAIA Chianti Classico Ris. special price! $25 (reg. $36)
Built in the 11th c. as a fortified village, the town of 
Volpaia sits on a hilltop just north of the town of Radda in Chianti in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. This Riserva is 100% Sangiovese from vineyards at 1450 feet above sea level. Volpaia is unique in Chianti not only in its geographical position, but in the commitment of the Mascheroni family to using ancient buildings as their wine cellars, and preserving the architectural heritage of the site at the expense of daily inconvenience. This Chianti Riserva first-rate; aging takes place both in large cask and barrique. Black cherries, smoke and earth conspire toward its powerful, distinctive personality.
2004 LA TORRE Brunello di Montalcino $65; $135 1.5L
Luigi Anania is the proprietor and winemaker; he purchased this property in 1977 and made his first vintage in 1982. Vineyards are 500 meters above sea-level. 20-25 days masceration on the skins aged in large traditional Slavonian casks. Garnet color to brick red rim, almost a tarry note that is deep and persistent similar to a high altitude Barolo from Monforte, or Barbaresco from Treiso. The elegant, fresh Sangiovese fruit, the beautifully super fine-grained, yet powerfully gripping tannins, contribute to the wines length, complexity and overall classic character. Highly recommended.
