Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Super Tuscan that returns to the LCBO next weekend in the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Tenuta Sette Ponti is a story of passion, dedication, and love for vineyards and their traditions. Their business philosophy is based on quality, research, long-lasting knowledge, age-old customs, respect for the land and its balance, while also keep pace with modern agricultural and enological practices.

Although Tenuta Sette Ponti is a relatively new producer that was only established in the 1990s, it's history begins in 1935 when Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta and Viceroy of Ethiopia planted the first vineyards on this property in Tuscany between Florence and Arezzo to celebrate having taken over the Ethiopian Empire. It was called "Vigna dell'Impero", or Vineyard of the Empire, and is home to an ancient clone of Sangiovese that is the only one of its kind.

In the 1950s, Architect Alberto Moretti Cuseri acquired the first 55 hectares of land directly from Princesses Margherita and Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta, daughters of Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta, and dedicated himself to the production of winegrowing and olive oil. For many years, he produced grapes to sell to producers.

Antonio Moretti Cuseri, Alberto's son, was driven by a passion and interest in wine since he was a young boy. In 1997, he took control of his father's winery and worked alongside the best viticulturists and enologists to evaluate the suitability of the land for the production of quality wines, although the area was already declared one of the most suitable areas for wine production in Tuscany in 1716 by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. After numerous studies, research, consultancy, and testing, Antonio stopped selling grapes to other producers and established Tenuta Sette Ponti, releasing his first label - Crognolo - in 1998. The name "Tenuta Sette Ponti" comes from the seven bridges that extend over the Arno River on the road from Florence to Arezzo, while Crognolo is named after a wild plant that is also known as Cornelian cherry or cornus mas, and grows abundantly on the estate. With in-depth research, an incredible love for vines, and for age-old expertise about the art of winemaking, Tenuta Sette Ponti makes exceedingly high quality, organic wines in line with Tuscan traditions. Their iconic Oreno Super Tuscan red wine is among the top wines in the world.

In 2018, the third generation of the Moretti Cuseri family joined the business with Amedeo taking on the role of director and Italian market manager, while Alberto is the communications and export director. This new generation continues to represent the company's strong values of tradition and great passion passed down by their father. With a fresh and new vision that is strengthened by high quality wines, Tenuta Sette Ponti is consistently recognized globally and are becoming symbols of Italian excellence and authentic style.

The 1997 Crognolo was Antonio Moretti Cuseri’s first quality wine. It was crafted from clones of the historic Sangiovese vines in the estate's oldest vineyard, Vigna dell'Impero. This unique Sangiovese clone was multiplied across Tenuta Sette Ponti's other Sangiovese vineyards and is still incorporated in this wine. This particular vintage of Crognolo is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot that was grown on clay and sand soils, as well as Tuscany's special stony galestro limestone. The area offers ideal sun exposure and a climate tempered by the Mediterranean, which are ideal for cultivating the Sangiovese grape. Yields are kept low, while the fruit is hand-harvested, sorted, and de-stemmed. After fermentation in a combination of temperature-controlled and lined open-top tanks, the lots are blended and aged in French Allier barriques for 10-14 months, followed by 5-6 months in bottle prior to release. After enjoying the 2016 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo a few years ago, I am curious to see how this 2018 edition is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (XD) - $34.95
This Super Tuscan is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and has a medium-high intensity nose with a lovely bouquet of sweet red cherries, rose floral, and sweet spice aromas with subtle earthy and mineral tones. On the medium-full bodied, chewy palate it has lovely, balanced replays of red cherry, rose floral, and savoury wood spices. It's really nicely balanced with juicy acidity, and plush, textured tannins that have just subtle chalky grip. A pleasing mix of savoury, woody, minerally, and red berry notes linger on the long, very satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Tenuta Sette Ponti's iconic Oreno is available at the LCBO, while other lovely wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.