Tasting notes, Wines of Tuscany; August 27, 2022

Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2020

Regular Price $14.99 

Case price $12.00

This is a classic white from just outside of the towered medieval town of San Gimignano. Fresh and full of peach and pear flavors, with wonderful texture and crisp and enlivening acidity. Best as an aperitif, or with light foods

Terenzi ‘Balbino’ Vermentino di Maremma 2021

Regular Price $19.99 

Case price $16.00

Vermentino is a white grape grown in various locations, and under various names, throughout the Mediterranean basin. Fresh and floral with orchard fruit flavors, unoaked and crisp on the finish, it works well with pasta and seafood

Volpaia ‘Citto’ Toscano 2019

Regular Price $15.99 

Case price $12.79

The Citto bottling is produced from organically-grown Sangiovese (and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon) grapes from both the Chianti Classico and Marema subzones of Tuscany. The Chianti Classico portion of the blend imparts a sturdy, stony quality to the wine, while the Maremma component reveals itself through the wine’s sun baked fruit. 

Montesecondo Chianti Classico 2018

Regular Price $37.99

Sale Price $29.99

Montesecondo comprises two separate properties: both are biodynamically farmed and both lie in the San Casciano zone of Chianti Classico but are quite different from each other. This Chianti is a blend of both sites, using only three native vines; sangiovese, canaiolo and colorino. It is very much a wine of the vineyard, not the winemaker.

Collosorbo ‘Le Due Gemme’ Sant’Antimo Rosso 2019

Regular Price $19.99 

Case price $16.00

Montalcino is in the southern end of Tuscany and Sant’Antimo is in the southern end of Montacino. A relatively (1966) new appellation, the rules in Sant’Antimo allow for wines to be made from Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir (‘Pinot Nero’), Sangiovese or any other non-aromatic red grapes authorized in the province of Siena and in any combination. So, this wine is of Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot, and is modern in style, round and fruit forward, yet not entirely lacking in Italian sensibilities.

Voliero Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Regular Price $87.99

Sale price $69.99

From the northern, higher elevation end of Montalcino, this is a polished and subtle  example of Tuscany’s most prestigious wine. Made of 100% Sangiovese Grosso (a.k.a. Brunello), and aged in large Slavonian and French oak casks for 30 months, its a wine of finesse, elegance and brightness.