8 WINES – DRINK ITALY THE ITALIAN WAY
HERE’S WHAT ITALIANS ARE DRINKING THIS WINTER FROM TUSCANY.
Get the inside track from the ones that live and love Tuscany all year round. Also, did you know, 90% of what you read about Italian food and wine isn’t actually written by Italians. So here we are – we live here, we were born here, we love this country, and this is our list of “to die for” wines we are hoarding for winter nights and our Christmas celebrations.
MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOC 2015 – FATTORIA LE PUPILLE 20,90€
A classic example of what can be achieved in Tuscany. An amazing winery we live. Aromas of rose, iris, wild berry, truffle and a whiff of game all take shape on this earthy refined red. Smooth and savory, the succulent palate delivers crushed raspberry, fleshy Marasca cherry and baking spice framed in elegant, fine-grained tannins.
This is indigenous Tuscany with some Super Tuscan grapes thrown in. It’s made with 85% Sangiovese, 10% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc with aromas of red-skinned berry, leather and a hint of thyme. It’s been aged in second year oak and you’ll be lucky to get your hands on a bottle so seek it out. This is a wine that works at lunch or late at night in front of a fire.
VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG RISERVA 2015 – GATTAVECCHI 19,50€
This has Christmas Day written all over it. From the first sip you’ll feel transported to ancient vineyards in the heart of Tuscany. Earthy aromas of scorched soil, underbrush, leather, spiced prune and a whiff of toasted nut follow over to the firm palate along with dried cherry and a hint of powdered sage. Dusty tannins leave a dry finish. Just wonderful!
CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG RISERVA 2018 – CASTELLO DI AMA 34,90€
A special treat for us we had to include it on our list. Delicious and elegantly structured, this opens with alluring aromas of fragrant blue flowers, black-skinned fruit, eucalyptus and notes of espresso. On the savoury, focused palate, bright acidity and lithe, fine-grained tannins accompany juicy black cherry, mocha, licorice and crushed mint.
A Super Tuscan at its absolute best. This wine has become a King in the Maremma for those that want the expression of these precious grapes in Tuscan soil. Cannot be missed. Aromas of black plum, tobacco and a hint of ginger lead the nose on this fifty-fifty blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dense palate offers blackberry jam, star anise and licorice alongside polished tannins. We’re opening this botte a couple of hours before to really let it open up.
GRATTAMACCO BOLGHERI SUPERIORE DOC 2015 – COLLE MASSARI 75,90€
Who doesn’t love Bolgheri, where the Super Tuscan story began. We are drinking this fabulous example of Italian winemaking at its finest. The blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese opens with aromas recalling blackberry, cedar and Mediterranean herb. The savoury, medium-bodied palate delivers ripe black cherry, mocha and black pepper notes with firm tannins which underpin the elegant structure.
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016 – LE CHIUSE 65,00€
This gorgeous wine opens with fragrant aromas of violet, wild berry, new leather, tilled earth and spice. Showing the estate’s hallmark elegance, structure and precision, the focused, full-bodied palate delivers cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and tobacco before finishing on a note of black tea. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it vibrant and balanced.
TENUTA SAN GUIDO 2018 SASSICAIA (BOLGHERI SASSICAIA) 249,00€
This one is famous for a reason. All about radiance and finesse, this iconic Tuscan red has beguiling aromas of cedar, wild red berry, menthol and pipe tobacco that mingle with fragrant blue flowers. Made with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, the focused, finely structured palate is vibrant and savory, delivering cassis, orange zest, licorice and a hint of coffee held firm in taut, polished tannins. We’re saving this for exactly the right moment. Its either the first glass of red wine we drink at a special meal or I’m secretly keeping it for a private moment. We are really loving our Coravin at the moment for bottles like the Sassicaia we want to savour over the holiday. If you haven’t got one it’s a perfect present for wine lovers.
We hope these carefully chosen bottles will give you many moments of La Bella Vita this festive season. Make sure your cellar big or small has an authentic mix of Italian wines recommended by real Italians that love Italy and just want to share the best with you!
