Rocca delle Macìe Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva Chianti Classico 2017 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of this nice Chianti Classico that arrived as a "Smart Buy" at the LCBO over the long weekend as part of the September 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973 by Italian film producer Italo Zingarelli to fulfill a lifelong dream to have his own winery. He acquired the 85 hectare "Le Macìe" estate, of which only 2 hectares were planted to vine, and quickly grew the estate into one of the most popular names in Italian winemaking. This was achieved by creating wines that not only respect the terroir, but also having a consistent commitment to improving wine quality through innovation.

The Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli is the flagship wine of the zone and represents the greatest expression of the zone's particular features, proudly bearing the Zingarelli family name in order to highlight the strong link that the family has to the area of Chianti Classico. It is made using the best grapes from the four estates of Rocca delle Macìe in the area of Castellina in Chianti, resulting in a blend of four terroirs. Following careful selection, the grapes (90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot) are vinified according to traditional Chianti Classico methods, then aged in French oak barrels for two years, followed by further refinement in bottle for a minimum of three months.

This red wine is a regular visitor to VINTAGES, and I have tasted previous vintages of this wine on numerous occasions over the years. I last enjoyed the 2015 Rocca delle Macìe Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva Chianti Classico at home nearly two years ago and am pleased to have the opportunity to try the 2017 tonight.

Tasting Note:

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE FAMIGLIA ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#930966) (XD) - $24.95
Blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot. The medium+ intensity nose offers bright sour red cherries surrounded by wood spice, earthy, and savoury aromas. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with pleasing blackberry notes joining the woody, savoury aroma replays. It has juicy, balanced acidity, and fine, textured tannins with a pleasing touch of grip. The savoury, wood spice tones continue through to the finish, with very good length. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years. Score: 89 pts

There are quite a few wines from Rocca delle Macìe available at the LCBO, but other wines from this producer can also be ordered via their agent's brand new website - Profile Wine Group.