Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico 2020 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, organic Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month in the October 5th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the 2013 Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico that I enjoyed over six years ago, this red wine is produced by Bacci Wines, a family-owned winery with deep roots in Tuscany. It was established by Marco Bacci, who was born in Florence and embarked on a career path that took him through his family's business that specialized in clothing manufacturing to become an iconic fashion company in Italy. Marco also had a real estate company and acquired several properties, one of which was Castello di Bossi in 1984.

Oenology was a pleasant hobby for Marco, and in 1985 he bottled his first wine. For many years, Marco balanced his commitment to the fashion world with his passion for wine. In 1996, Marco decided to leave the fashion world and dedicate his heart and soul to the wine industry by focusing on the vine and wine. Over the next few years, he acquired estates in Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scansano to complete the coverage of the three main Tuscan DOCGs.

Jacopo Bacci, son of Marco, was born in Florence in 1984, and after obtaining his diploma in scientific studies, he enrolled in the University of Enology in Florence. By 2004, while still studying oenology, Jacobo joined and expanded the family business by taking responsibility for the Italian, English, and German markets. He continued to expand the family's wine brand presence in North American and Asian markets.

Today, the mission of Bacci Wines is to offer their customers the opportunity to enjoy some of the world's best wines at any time and wherever they may be. Bacci Wines is made up of five estates across Tuscany's best territories covering more than 900 hectares of vineyards, while producing various styles of wines across a wide range of labels. The group of wineries are organic and powered by clean energy. The vision is to produce high-quality, organic wines across their entire portfolio. Bacci Wines firmly believes that by choosing an organic approach, they are able to safeguard the beauty and integrity of their land, while also ensuring extraordinary quality standards and an unparalleled tasting experience.

With several estates owned by Bacci Wines, this particular red wine is from their Tenuta di Renieri Estate, which is located in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southeast of the Chianti Classico territory. This property borders the lands of Castello di Bossi, one of Bacci's other estates, and covers approximately 60 hectares of land, of which 22 hectares are planted to vineyards. Specializing in the production of Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva, the Renieri estate's vineyards are situated 300 metres above sea-level and south-facing. The soil composition at Renieri varies from yellow clays to tuff, and is supported by a rounded stone skeleton that provides natural drainage.

The 2020 growing season in Chianti Classico was somewhat difficult due to the pandemic and a spring frost which reduced yields. However, the long, hot summer with good diurnal temperature variation and important rainfall in June and September led to an early harvest that resulted in ripe, fleshy, and fruit-filled red wines. The pandemic also allowed winegrowers to concentrate their efforts towards every aspect of cultivation, vineyard management, and production. Let's see how this 2020 Chianti Classico from Tuscany is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540849) (XD) - $22.95
Aged in wooden casks, this organic Sangiovese has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is savoury and slightly reductive, which blows off and reveals a lovely, attractive mix of ripe red & black cherries, rose floral, savoury earth, and sweet spice aromas, plus whiffs crushed stone and blackberry adding further complexity. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has sour dark red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, savoury earth, and oak spice flavours. It has fresh, tangy acidity, while the smooth, supportive, and elegant tannins have good structure and a touch of grip on the back palate. Shows nice balance with savoury earth, mineral, and touches of oak spice lingering on the long, persistent, and juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Fine wines from other Bacci Wines estates are available not only at the LCBO, but can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Giacomo Mori Chianti 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Chianti from the classic European wine region of Tuscany that is part of the theme in this weekend's April 29 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and should be widely available across Ontario by this Saturday, if not a day or two earlier.

It is crafted by Giacomo Mori, a wine producer located in the village of Palazzone, in the southeast corner of Tuscany, east of San Casciano dei Bagni, just outside of the Chianti Classico zone. The story of Giacomo Mori begins at the end of the 18th century when they were in the marketing business of processed, aged, and bottled wine from the cellars of Palazzone and Chiusi. Unfortunately, these activities slowed with the onset of World War I and eventually ceased during the economic crisis of 1927. Giovanni Mori, the son of Giacomo, started winemaking activities with his sons in 1970 and sold their wines mostly in tanks and demijohns.

With a renewed focus on making quality wines, in 1995 they began planting new vineyards with careful selection of varieties, clones, and vineyard layout. Over the next 15 years, Giacomo Mori renovated their cellars in Palazzone, as well as renovated the original building. Winemaking activities were moved to steel containers and ageing in oak barrels, as well as inside the "barriques", old containers dug in the tuff of which the ancient grottoes (caves) are made. A constant temperature of 12°C is maintained in the area set aside for ageing.

Today, this small estate has 10 hectares of land with south-southeast exposure to the sun. The planting density is 4500-5000 vines/hectare, and the vines are trained using the "cordone speronato" (pruned-spur cordon-trained) system. The main variety planted is Sangiovese, which makes up 75% of their total production. 12% of their production is devoted to Merlot, while the remainder is a mix of international and indigenous red and white grape varieties. All of the grapes are harvested manually and beginning with the 2019 vintage, all of their wines are certified organic. Emiliano Falsini is the consultant oenologist and works closely with Giacomo Mori.

I last enjoyed the 2015 Giacomo Mori Chianti about four years ago and like previous vintages, this red wine from Chianti continues to be a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino/Canaiolo. It was fermented at controlled temperatures in 40-60 hectolitre stainless steel containers, followed by ageing for 10 to 12 months in 20 hectolitre Slavonian and Allier oak barrels, as well of 5 hectolitre tonneaux and third-use barriques. From the excellent 2018 vintage across Tuscany, let's see how this 2018 Chianti is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2018 - Palazzone, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (XD) - $23.95
Blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino/Canaiolo. The intensely fragrant and perfumed nose offers lovely aromas of dark red cherries, baking spices, clove, and savoury earth with hints of dried herbs. It's medium+ bodied on the palate, with impressive weight and delicious tangy red and black cherry, spice, clove, rose floral, and savoury earth flavours. Quite elegant, refined, and nicely balanced throughout with fresh acidity and supple, slightly chalky tannins. Red cherry notes are joined by smoky minerals plus touches of orange and rose floral on the long, fresh finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Giacomo Mori can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Riserva 2016 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a nice follow-up to the delicious 2018 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico that I enjoyed a couple of weekends ago. Like the Chianti Classico, this Chianti is a VINTAGES Essentials product at the LCBO and widely available for purchase in-store across Ontario.

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973 by film producer Italo Zingarelli to fulfill his life-long dream. It was established on a solid base of ethical values constructed by Italo and today is run by his children Sergio, Fabio, and Sandra, to become one of the largest wine producers in Italy.

Sustainability is a key pillar of Rocca delle Macìe as they continue to implement agronomic techniques that are geared not only towards constantly improving the products, but also towards respecting the environment. Some of these practices include integrated pest management, streamlining the consumption of non-renewable resources, avoiding non-essential waste of natural resources, and limiting human activity on the equilibrium of the ecosystem. By using high-precision viticulture, Rocca delle Macìe is able to make winemaking rational and sustainable, while at the same time enhancing the land. With this in mind, Rocca delle Macìe still aims to express the very best of the vine and terroir, and achieve products of the highest quality.

In addition to producing wines from the Chianti Classico and Maremma zones, Rocca delle Macìe also produces wines thanks in part to collaboration with old and new Tuscany producers in other zones such as Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Bolgheri, San Gimignano, and Orvieto. This particular red wine is from the Chianti DOCG from carefully selected and ripened Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. It is vinified with the latest controlled fermentation techniques and undergoes maturation in oak for a period of two years prior to being released.

Tasting Note:

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#111641) (XD) - $15.95
A blend of 90% Sangiovese with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot completing the blend, and aged for 24 months is large oak barrels. Medium+ intensity nose is savoury with currant, plum, red cherry, and earth aromas. It's ripe fruited on the palate with currant, sour cherry, oak spice, and leathery flavours on the medium-bodied palate. Light tannins have just enough texture to keep things interesting, while lemony acids are food-friendly. Savoury, currant, and chocolate notes linger on the finish, with very good length. A fine, simple Chianti for mid-week drinking. Score: 88 pts

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Castello di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is featured as the Wine of the Month from the upcoming October 26th LCBO VINTAGES Release and will be on shelves across Ontario by next weekend.

Bacci Wines is the producer, and they make this fine red at their Castello di Bossi estate which is located in the southern area of the Chianti Classico zone within the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the province of Siena in Tuscany, approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Florence and 14 kilometres east of Siena. This area tends to produce wines that are fuller and more structured than those from the rest of Chianti Classico, closely resembling those of Montalcino.

The name "Bossi" is apparently linked to a money chest, referred to as boxwood, which was made from a rare and prized type of wood that the Roman army would carry to its encampments to pay its soldiers. Local inscriptions on the site indicate that it was a Roman settlement as far back as the 1st century AD. In the 9th century, a noble family called the dei Berardenghi settled there and enjoyed a lengthy rule over the territories they owned, eventually withdrawing into private life and donating most of their landholdings to a church. However, they kept the property which today surrounds the castle.

At the centre of the estate is Bossi Castle. The first tower was built around the year 1099 and shows the area's early strategic importance. Around 1450, it was expanded into the 4-walled fortress that visitors can see today.

Castello di Bossi has changed hands many times over the years, and was in a slow decline until it was acquired by the Bacci family sometime after World War II. Today, the estate covers 650 hectares, of which 124 hectares are planted with vines. By employing modern viticultural practices, Castello di Bossi aims to harvest the best quality fruit year after year in order to express the best qualities of the terroir and individual grape varieties.

This red wine is made with 100% Sangiovese from soils that contain yellow clay, tufo, gravel and broken rocks, located in a vineyard 350 metres above sea level with southwest exposure. The average age of the vines is 18 years and is manually harvested.

Tasting Note:

CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994608) (XD) - $22.95
100% Sangiovese that spent 6 months in oak casks. Fragrant, perfumed nose of spice, red cherry, clove and incense aromas. It is medium-full bodied and quite savoury on the palate with red cherries, chocolate, spice and some stony mineral flavours. Acids are fresh and mouthwatering while textured tannins are a touch on the grippy side. Clean, savoury, stony mineral and red cherry notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Highly recommended wine to enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 91 pts

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Giacomo Mori Chianti 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Chianti that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on March 30th.

Having tasted and enjoyed both the 2014 Giacomo Mori Chanti and the 2012 Giacomo Mori Chanti, I am fully expecting this latest vintage to also provide pleasure. This red wine is from the 2015 vintage - a vintage that is widely regarded as one of the great vintages in Tuscany.

The history of Giacomo Mori begins at the end of the 18th century as a marketer of processed, aged, and bottled wine from the cellars of Palazzone and Chiusi. These activities slowed with the onset of World War I and eventually ceasing during the economic crisis of 1927. In 1970, Giovanni, the son of Giacomo, restarted the production of grapes and wine with his sons, selling mostly in tanks and demijohns. In 1995, they began focusing on making quality wines by planting new vineyards with a careful selection of varieties, clones, and vineyard layout.

This particular red wine has been made for more than 15 years and today consists of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino/Canaiolo. It is vinified in stainless steel tanks at carefully controlled temperatures, aged for 10-12 months in Slavonian and Allier oak barrels, as well as tonneaux and used barriques.

Tasting Note:

GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (XD) - $22.95
Medium-high intensity nose offers ripe red cherry and spice, with leather and sour cherry hints, all surrounded by a savoury, earthy, forest floor core. It is medium-bodied with juicy acids and gritty tannins that will reward with some ageing. Nicely savoury with earthy, forest floor, red and black cherry, and oak spice flavours. Very good finish length. Really starts to shine as it warms in the glass. Enjoy over the next 6 years. Score: 90 pts

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Mazzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

I have tasted and enjoyed previous vintages of this yummy red wine, and tonight's wine review is the lovely 2015 vintage that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on March 2.

It is produced by the historic Mazzei family in Tuscany, where they have been making wines since the 11th century and now 24 generations. Ser Lapo Mazzei, whom this wine is named in honour of, was the author of the first known documented use of the "Chianti" denomination on December 16, 1398. The main estate is Castello di Fonterutoli, which became part of the family's estate in 1435 when his granddaughter, Madonna Smeralda Mazzei, married Piero di Agnolo da Fonterutoli.

In Fonterutoli, the centuries-old ownership of Marchesi Mazzei has preserved the handful of houses, the church of San Miniato, and the villa erected at the end of the 1500's, maintaining the charm of the Middle Ages. The legend of the Chianti Black Rooster was also born in the hamlet of Fonterutoli.

Today, the modern Fonterutoli Winery in Chianti Classico, Tuscany, is one of three estates owned by Mazzei. The winery dominates the estate and farm slopes, and has a view of Siena in the distance. The gravity-flow winery was designed by a family member with the goal of achieving low environmental impact. The cellar is located 15 metres below ground and temperatures and humidity levels are regulated by five natural water streams flowing through naked rock walls - something I hope to see one day!

The first vintage of this wine was 1983. This blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot comes from vines located 250 to 330 metres above sea level on medium textured with loam and limestone soils, and age ranging from 10 to 30 years. It was aged for 12 months in small french oak barrels, 50% new.

Tasting Note:

MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#288530) (XD) - $23.95
The medium+ intensity nose has complex herbal, earthy, savoury, cherry, and strawberry aromas. It is medium bodied on the savoury palate with more earthy flavours surrounding the cherry/strawberry core. Tannins are grippy and drying while acids are juicy. Nicely balanced flavours come through long finish, with hints of dried cherry and red floral. Enjoy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts

The actual label for this bottle is covered with a removable wrap. When removed, it reveals an illustration by Paolo Fiumi that depicts the 1435 marriage of Madonna Smeralda Mazzei.

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Rocca delle Macìe Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva Chianti Classico 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice Riserva Chianti Classico that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on November 24.

It is produced by Rocca delle Macìe, a name that I'm sure you have come across at some point while perusing the aisles at your local LCBO. Rocca delle Macìe was founded by film producer Italo Zingarelli in the Chianti Classico area in 1973 when he purchased the 93 hectare estate to fulfill a life long dream. At the time, only 2 hectares were planted to vines, but along with help from his sons Sergio and Fabio, and his daughter Sandra, the estate now covers more than 500 hectares, 200 hectares of which are used as vineyards. The four estates Rocca delle Macìe owns in the Chianti Classico area all reside within the Municipality of Castellina in Chianti, in the southwest with very heterogeneous soils.

This red wine is one of Rocca delle Macìe's flagship wines from the Chianti Classico zone as only the best grapes from each of the four estates in Castellina make it into the blend that consists of mostly Sangiovese, and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The label proudly bears the Zingarelli name in order to highlight the strong link that the family has with the Chianti Classico area.

Tasting Note:

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE FAMIGLIA ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#930966) (XD) - $24.95
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot that was aged in French oak barrels for 2 years. Fine aromas of oak spice, blackberry, wet earth, and dark cherry with a nice savoury component stream from the glass. It is medium-full bodied with fine-grained tannins and juicy acids supporting the dark berry, savoury, vanillin oak, earth, and cherry flavours. A touch warming on the mid-palate. Nicely savoury and earthy with some chalkiness on the long finish that ends with a nice red cherry note. Enjoy over the next 5 years. Score: 89 pts

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Carpineta Fontalpino Riserva Chianti Classico 2012 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

A recent arrival to the LCBO, tonight's red wine review was released into LCBO VINTAGES on July 7th.

This organic wine is produced by Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino, an organic winery in Tuscany that traces its past back to the 1800's. It is located in the heart of Tuscany, very close to Siena and in the historical commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, at the bottom of the hill of Montaperti where the famous battle between Siena and Florence took place on September 4, 1260. The name of the winery comes from a historical place, where you would find Carpineta (an area that has trees with silver backed leaves) and Fontalpino (the fount with the pine trees of Montaperti).

Italo Cresti founded the winery in 1967, and today it is run by his children, the brother-and-sister team of Gioia and Filippo Cresti. Gioia is a French-trained oenologist and responsible for all of the production phases, from winegrowing to ageing, while Filippo runs the operational and marketing development side of of the business.

Tasting Note:

CARPINETA FONTALPINO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540997) (XD) - $41.95
Organic wine made with 100% Sangiovese. Forest floor, dried cherry, and subtle oak spice aromas from the cork. Nicely maturing, savoury aroma profile with wet forest floor, sweet oak spice, dried cherry, and dried florals, of medium+ intensity. On the medium-full bodied palate, gritty tannins are still quite grippy, while flavours are savoury with currant, earth, cherry, clove and oak spice notes. Succulent acids are vibrant and juicy. The finish is long and savoury with more earthy, forest floor flavours. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

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Cantalici (Tuscany) Winemaker's Dinner at Mangia et Bevi

Last Fall, I had the pleasure of tasting the wines from Tuscany's Cantalici Winery with Winemaker Carlo Cantalici and Export Manager Angela Butini at Mangia et Bevi in the eastern end of downtown Toronto.

After everyone arrived, we sat down at the long, communal-style dinner table and Angela and Carlo began telling us about their winery and taking us through the wines with course from the delicious 4-course meal, eventually ending the night with some Vin Santo.

The winery, L'Antica Fornace di Ridolfo, was formed by Carlo and his brother Daniele in Castagnoli, a small medieval hamlet close to the village of Gaiole in Chianti. It was named after an ancient kiln that was built in the 16th century by a wealthy Florentine family, and the kiln was preserved and integrated into the winery when Carlo and Daniele purchased the property in the late 1990's. Today, the estate has three properties in different areas of Chianti spread out over 90 hectares of hand-harvested vineyards, at altitudes from 300 to 450 metres above sea level.

The most interesting wine of the night was the 2012 Chianti Classico as it really blossomed over the course of the evening.

Thank you to AMV-Whiz for the invitation and hosting this event. It was a lovely evening with fine wines, delicious food, and very good conversation. You may find these wines at the LCBO, but can otherwise contact AMV-Whiz for availability.

Tasting Notes:

CANTALICI PETALI ORGANIC ROSÉ 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#314004) (XD) - $18.15
100% Sangiovese. Medium intensity nose that has attractive herbal, strawberry and citrus notes. It's dry on the structured palate with balanced acids and a touch glycerin like texture. The mid-palate is spiced and finishes with blood orange and strawberry flavours, with good length. Score: 87 pts

CANTALICI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#314012) (XD) - $25.15
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, quite shy initially, but eventually opens up beautifully with cinnamon, clove, sweet oak spice, dark cherry and rose flowers, all of which come through in spades on the medium-bodied palate with nicely integrated tannins and very good acidity. It has a medium-long finish. Give this a short decant (1 hour) prior to serving and drink over the next 3-5 years. Score: 90 pts

CANTALICI BARUFFO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#315795) (XD) - $25.15
100% Sangiovese. This has a medium+ intensity nose in a (new) wood and dark profile with dark berry/cherry, blackberry and oak spice aromas. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with tannins a touch chalky. This has nice aroma replays that are oak influenced with clove and sweet oak spices. Acids are fresh and the finish length is very good. Still young, should improve in 2-3 years. Score: 88 pts

CANTALICI MESSER RIDOLFO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#315787) (XD) - $33.60
This 100% Sangiovese is named after the 1st owner of the property and who was also mayor of the town. It has a medium-high intensity nose with red berry, cherry, and subtle oak spices. The palate is richly concentrated with more dark cherry, berry and oak spices. Tannins are well-integrated, acids are juicy and the finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

CANTALICI BARUFFO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#541078) (XD) - $35.95
100% Sangiovese from vines planted 500 metres above sea-level, this has medium-high intensity aromas of sweet oak spice, floral, and dark berries. It is full-bodied and richly structured with smooth tannins and lovely aroma replays. Acids are mouth-watering and the finish length is excellent. Has the stuffing to age 10 years. Released into LCBO VINTAGES on April 14. Score: 90+ pts

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Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico 2013 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious red wine is a new release that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on April 28.

Tenuta di Renieri is the Chianti-area estate of Bacci Wines, a winery based in Montalcino. It is located in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, approximately 14 km east of Siena and in the southern half of the Chianti Classico production zone. The property is contiguous with Castello di Bossi vineyards and covers 60 hectares, with 22 hectares planted to vineyards. The vineyards are south-facing and planted in soils that vary from yellow clay to tufa, along with a mixture of rounded pebbles that provide natural drainage.

Tasting Note:

TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540849) (XD) - $22.95
This 100% Sangiovese was aged for 12 months in (French) Allier Barriques and oak casks. A mix of red cherry, plum and sweet oak spice aromas from the cork. In the glass, this has a generous nose of sweet oak spice, red cherry, floral with some earthy elements and rustic charm. Hints of dried cherry emerge with time. The palate is light-to-medium bodied with soft, balanced, and well-integrated tannins that provide just a touch of grip. Fresh, food-friendly acids lift the palate. Flavours of dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, earth, and hints of dried cherry. Nicely balanced overall. Earthy notes with cherry linger on the long finish. There's just enough here to keep you coming back for another sip. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 89 pts

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Piazzano Chianti 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine returns to the LCBO after a 2-year absence, and will be available as part of the upcoming August 5, 2017 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Fattoria di Piazzano, an estate located in the hills of Empoli, Tuscany. The winery has been part of the Bettarini family since 1948, while Ilaria and Rolanki Bettarini took over operations in 1999. They use the expertise of consultant winemaker Emiliano Falsini to produce the wines.

I tasted the 2013 Piazzano Chianti two years ago and am expecting much of the same from this latest vintage - a savoury, earth, cherry red for pairing with food. It is vinified using soft pressing, with maceration on skins for 3 weeks and pumping over the cap. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, while ageing is vitrified in cement tanks, with further ageing in bottle for 4 to 6 months.

Tasting Note:

PIAZZANO CHIANTI 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#393199) (D) - $14.95
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, and the rest Canaiolo, Colorino and other indigenous varietals. Ripe plum, red berry and oak aromas from the cork. Medium intensity aromas of ripe red berry, cherry, fresh flowers and oak with an earthy rustic note in the glass. It's ripe and slightly raisined on the medium-bodied palate with cherry, earth and some chocolatey oak flavours offering a subtle impression of sweetness. Acids are bright and fresh, while the supple tannins add a nice textural element. Chocolatey and resinous on the finish with good length. A mid-week red wine to enjoy with pizza or pasta over the next 2 years. Score: 86 pts

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Giacomo Mori Chianti 2014 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is this delicious red wine that will be available at the LCBO as part of the upcoming July 22 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Like the 2012 Giacomo Mori Chianti that I enjoyed two years ago, this is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino/Canaiolo that is vinified in 40-60 hectolitre stainless steel tanks, then aged for 10-12 months in 20 hectolitre Slavonian and Allier oak barrels, tonneaux of 5 hectolitres, and barriques on the third refill.

The Giacomo Mori estate is located in San Casciano del Bagni, near Siena, and is planted to 8 hectares of vineyards that were replanted in 1995, followed by a major renovation that began in 1996 and was completed in the year 2000. The consultant winemaker is Emiliano Falsini.

Tasting Note:

GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (XD) - $21.95
Blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino/Canaiolo. Fresh red berry and plum and aromas from the cork. This has a savoury, rustic, earthy, forest floor nose followed by red cherry, raspberry, sweet oak spice and leather aromas of medium intensity and quite complex. The palate is medium-bodied and dry with red currant, sour cherry, and raspberry flavours along with woodsy elements. Bright acids are fresh, while the refined tannins are smooth and well-integrated, if a touch drying. It has a long, savoury finish. Will improve in 1-2 years and drink well to 2023. Score: 90 pts

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Chianti Classico Tasting - Celebrating 300 Years

The final wine tasting of May was held at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville, downtown Toronto. Inside was a tasting celebrating 300 years of Chianti Classico wines. The borders of the Chianti Classico DOCG were formed in 1716 and lies in the territory between the provinces of Florence to the north and Siena to the south. The total area of the territory is 173,000 acres, 25,000 acres of which are dedicated to vineyards, and 18,000 acres that are registered as Chianti Classico.

Every bottle of Chianti Classico contains the trademark Black rooster, an historic symbol of the Chianti Military League, among other things. The history of the symbol dates back to a legend from medieval times (approx. between 1202 and 1208), at a time when there was bitter fighting over the territory between the Republics of Florence and Siena. In order to settle the conflict, legend has it that a knight from each Republic would depart from their respective cities and fix the boundary of the territory at the point of where they meet. Departure from each city would take place at dawn, when the rooster crows. The Sieneses chose a white rooster, while the Florentines chose a starved black rooster that was kept in a small, dark chicken coop.

When the big day arrived and the roosters were freed from the coop well before dawn, it was the black rooster that started crowing immediately. On that signal, the Florentine knight began his journey, well before his counterpart from Siena, and reached Fonterutoli, a mere 12 kms from Siena. This resulted in nearly all of Chianti being brought under control of the Republic of Florence and the legend of the Black Rooster was born.

Sangiovese is the primary grape within the region and a minimum of 80% of every wine must contain this varietal. There are three levels of Chianti Classico - Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione. The entry level is the Annata (a term you won't see on the label) and requires a minimum of 12 months ageing. The middle-tier Riserva wines require a minimum 24 months of ageing, including 3 months of bottle ageing. At the top of the quality pyramid is the Gran Selezione - a tier that was created only in 2013 - and states that these wines must use grapes from a single vineyard or from the estate's best grapes, and be aged for a minimum 30 months, including 3 months of bottle ageing.

In all, there were more than 25 wineries in attendance, providing the opportunity to try more than 75 wines. Many of the wines poured were quite good, but the ones that stood out above others were the Gran Selezione wines, specifically from the outstanding 2010 vintage. Wine reviews of some of favourites are provided below. Please contact the agent listed for availability, pricing and ordering information.

Tasting Notes:

CASTELLO VICCHIOMAGGIO SAN JACOPO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#710194) (XD) - $19.95
Matured for 8 months in large oak barrels and contains 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino. Beautiful, highly aromatic, dark scented and focused nose of dark flowers, dark cherry, clov and spice. It's medium-to-full bodied nicely balanced aroma replays and gains texture with air. It has very good acidity providing freshness. Good oak integration. Finish is long with hints of mineral. Contact Signature Wines & Spirits for availability. Score: 90+ pts

CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#047118) (XD) - $29.95
The medium-to-high intensity nose offers nice, sweet herbally spice, clove, sweet oak and cherry aromas. It's medium-to-full bodied on the palate with balanced, full tannins, and very good acidity. Aromas follow through to the palate along with hints of pencil lead and mineral on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 5-8 years. Contact Univins et Spiriteaux for availability. Score: 91 pts

MAZZEI CASTELLO DI FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $75
Lovely, focused and intense nose featuring floral, cherry, clove and sweet oak spice aromas. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with a fine texture and silky smooth, structured tannins. Pleasing aroma replays on the palate. Excellent length on the finish shows hints of mineral. Contact Profile Wine Group for availability. Score: 92 pts

FÈLSINA COLONIA CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD)
Beautiful, perfumed nose of sweet spice, floral, oak, cherry, red fruits and clove. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with pleasing sweet oak and spice aroma replays, and hints of purple flowers. Very good acidity. Earthy, cherry notes on the excellent finish. Tannins are a bit tight, but provide good tannic structure for ageing. Better in 2-3 years and enjoy until 2026. 100% Sangiovese. Contact Lifford Wine & Spirits for pricing and availability. Score: 92 pts

IL MOLINO DI GRACE IL MARGONE CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#435115) (XD) - $39.95
This 100% Sangiovese has medium-to-high intensity aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, floral, sweet oak and clove notes. On the medium+ bodied palate, it has firm tannins and juicy acids, along with balanced earth, cherry, floral and spice flavours. Excellent finish length. A bit young, try in 3 years. The 2010 vintage was released into VINTAGES in March. Contact Frontier Wine Merchants for availability of the 2011 vintage. Score: 92 pts

CASTELVECCHI MADONNINO DELLA PIEVE CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD)
From a great vintage, this 100% Sangiovese, has a highly aromatic and inviting nose of floral, sweet oak, cherry, clove and hints of sweet spices. Maturing very nicely, it has a medium+ bodied palate with yummy purple flower led aroma replays. Well balanced, with juicy acids and balanced tannins. Excellent length on the finish. Drink by 2023. Contact Barrel Select for pricing and availability. Score: 93 pts

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Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2013 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

I received this wine as a gift during the Christmas holidays and opened it up last night. This is a VINTAGES Essentials product and is always available at the LCBO, with the 2013 vintage being the latest vintage to arrive on our shores.

Tasting Note:

ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#606541) (XD) - $19.95
Blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and Syrah. Wood and black cherry aromas from the cork. Subtle notes of green olive, cherry and strawberry on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with polished tannins and flavours of cherry, wet earth, leather and a hint of barnyard. Rustic in style. Tannins become a touch grippy with air, while acids are juicy and well-balanced. Lasting finish is savoury and earthy. Score: 87 pts

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Giacomo Mori Chianti 2012 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious red wine will be available at the LCBO soon, as part of the November 14 VINTAGES Release.

The Giacomo Mori estate is located in San Casciano dei Bagni, at the southern edge of the Province of Siena and Tuscany in Central Italy. Eight of the ten hectares of vineyards were replanted in 1995 with meticulous attention paid to the selection of grape varieties, clones and rootstocks. The winery was renovated over 5 years, between 1996-2000.

Tasting Note:

GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (D) - $19.95
Mostly Sangiovese (95%) with Colorino and Canaiolo rounding out the blend. Black plum and cherry scents from the cork. Enticing aromas of red berries, earth, baking spice, and hints of leather. The plush palate is medium+ bodied with sweet red berries, tilled earth, herbs and sandalwood flavours. It is well-balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Dusty tannins become tight on the long, cocoa-tinged finish. Enjoyable now, but give this another 2 years to further integrate and drink to 2022. Score: 90 pts

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Piazzano Chianti 2013 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine will be in VINTAGES on October 31st. It comes from Fattoria di Piazzano, a family-owned and operated estate located in the hills south of Empoli and traversed by the Rio di Camerata.

The estate was purchased by Otello Bettarini in 1948. His nephew Riccardo worked alongside Otello and eventually took over the operations. In the late 90's, Riccardo handed over the property to his children Rolando and Ilaria. The two, along with other family members continue the winemaking traditions with the passion and tenacity of their heirs.

Tasting Note:

PIAZZANO CHIANTI 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#393199) (D) - $14.95
Unoaked blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% other indigenous grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino from Estate. Plum and cherry sauce aromas from the cork. In the glass, barnyard, bretty, and earth aromas lead the way, with light scents of cherry and strawberry at the back end. The palate is medium-bodied with some tannic grip. Savoury flavour profile consisting of wet earth and black cherry. Balanced acidity and decent length on the finish. Score: 86 pts

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Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2008 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Received this red wine as a gift earlier this year. It's from the LCBO General List and is made using at least 80% Sangiovese, with the balance being Cabernet and Merlot. This wine was first made in 1927.

RUFFINO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DUCALE 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#045195) (D) - $24.95

Tasting Note:
Sweet cedar and meaty aromas from cork. Medium intensity violets, plum, forest floor and tobacco aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with dark fruits, boysenberry, anise and herbal notes. Finish is medium-long and spicy, with hints of tobacco and cedar. Tannins are ripe and well-integrated. Has good acidity. Ready to drink now, but could be aged another 1-2 years. It will be enjoyed with one of my favourite dishes - homemade chicken curry.

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Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2007 (Italy) - Wine Review

Here's my review of this Tuscan wine purchased last month as part of the May 28th Vintages Release. I decided to open this Chianti tonight knowing that it was ripe and ready to drink now, and ageing it would certainly reduce it's quality and appeal.

RENZO MASI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#969469) - $14.95

Tasting Note:
Ripe black cherry, blueberry, cedar, mocha, plum aromas. Full of blackberry, cola, tobacco flavours. Quite bitter for my palate. A touch of acidity on the medium-bodied, long finish. Ready tannins. Having this tonight with chicken meatballs in Indian curry.

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