Tenuta Perano Rialzi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that rises to excellence. It is a new arrival to the LCBO this weekend as part of the July 24 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Frescobaldi, an historic winemaking family that has been committed to viticulture in Tuscany for over 700 years, beginning in the early 1300s. The Frescobaldi family established their presence in the Oltrarno district of Florence, in the Piazza de' Frescobaldi, by building their palazzo, covered loggia, and tower, as well as the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge that connected their own properties Florence's historic centre. In the 20th century, Vittorio, Ferdinando and Leonardo Frescobaldi helped elevate Tuscany to a place of excellence for viticulture. Today, President Lamberto Frescobaldi aims to further strengthen the uniqueness of the wines from each family estate, along with a continued commitment for sustainable agriculture, diversity, and wines that reflect their terroir.

Tenuta Perano is one of the eight estates of Frescobaldi. It is a unique estate located in the heart of Chianti Classico in Gaiole, an area with exceptional soils and climate that captures the light and warmth of the sun. The vineyards are located 500 metres (1,640 feet) above sea level, well above normal altitude for the late-maturing Sangiovese grape. The steep slopes and stony soils in this area create healthy air movement and is the ideal terroir for Sangiovese.

This particular red wine is from their Rialzi Vineyard, which literally translates to "rises", and is named as such because the vineyard rises above others on three natural steps. Crafted entirely with Sangiovese, the grapes were meticulously tended to in the vineyard, then carefully hand-picked. After careful selection in the cellar, the grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. It was then aged for 36 months, 24 of which were spent in barriques, following by another short period of ageing in bottle prior to release. In 2016, the climate around the estate of Tenuta Perano produced perfectly ripe and succulent fruit, leading to an outstanding harvest of exceptional quality Sangiovese grapes, which in turn produced a truly extraordinary wine of great aromatic intensity and rich structure. Let's see how this Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA PERANO RIALZI CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17682) (XD) - $49.95
This 100% Sangiovese has lovely, elegant, medium-high intensity aromatics that offer attractive notes of rose florals, red cherry, sweet spices, earth, sandalwood, and clove. It's medium-full bodied with very good concentration on the slightly chalky palate with red cherry, floral, sweet spice, earthy, and stony mineral flavours. It's supported by fresh, citrusy acidity and structured tannins that are refined, textured, and slightly chalky. Succulent with minerals, red cherries, and floral lingering on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy until at least the end of the decade. Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines from Frescobaldi can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.