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Chianti Classico: The Brilliant 2021s & Variable 2020s
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Aug 2023
It’s a fabulous time for readers who love Chianti Classico. The wines have never been better, as evidenced by both the growing number of estates making gorgeous Chianti Classicos and the stylistic breadth those wines encompass. The 2021s in particular are some of the most exciting young wines I have tasted in more than 25 years of visiting the region.
Cellar Favorite: San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico: 2001-1990
Italy: Tuscany, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Verticals & Retrospectives
, Aug 2023
When was the last time a grower presented a vertical of their entry-level wine where the youngest vintage was more than twenty years old? Never, in my experience. That’s exactly what Luca Martini di Cigala did during my most recent visit to San Giusto a Rentennano. It was a remarkable tasting and a fitting continuation of themes I explored last year in my report on vintages 2002 through 2010.
Exploring New Releases from Coastal Tuscany
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Aug 2023
Readers will find much to admire in new releases from the Tuscan Coast. Vintage 2020 is a bit uneven, but the best wines offer notable freshness and aromatic intensity, with less heft than is typical, not a bad thing for a region where wines can be a bit heavy. Based on what I have tasted so far, 2021 appears to be a much more even vintage endowed with all the classic signatures of textural richness that make the wines of Coastal Tuscany so distinctive. Although this report focuses on the coast, I include notes on a handful of other wines from other inland appellations that are too small to be covered on their own.
Vinous Table: Osteria Le Logge, Siena, Italy
Italy: Tuscany, Vinous Table
, Jun 2023
Tuscany can be challenging for dining because so many places cater to the tourist crowd, and few establishments take proper care of their wines. Readers visiting this corner of Tuscany absolutely owe themselves a visit to Osteria Le Logge. It’s the real deal.
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio 1962-2017
Italy: Tuscany, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives
, Apr 2023
Castello di Monsanto’s Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio forever changed the history of Chianti Classico as a region and wine. Consistency, a fervent belief in Sangiovese blended with a touch of indigenous red varieties, and a remarkable track record going back several decades have elevated Il Poggio to what is today – one of Italy’s most iconic wines. This unforgettable vertical back to the inaugural 1962 vintage provided myriad insights into the history of the estate and the evolution of the wine over the last five decades.
2020 Tuscany Preview
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Feb 2023
Our Tuscany Preview focuses on a number of wines ahead of my comprehensive reports on coastal Tuscany and Chianti Classico scheduled for later this year. Watch this space for more new releases.
Touring Tuscany: Carmignano, Montecucco and Beyond
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Feb 2023
When the average consumer thinks of Italian wine, Tuscany often comes to mind first, whether it’s Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classic, Bordeaux-inspired blends or many of the IGT wines that are now iconic. Tuscany excels with all of them. But there is much more to explore in some of the region’s other appellations.
Terroir and Determination: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Feb 2023
There was a time when Vino Nobile di Montepulciano would have been lumped into an article of assorted Tuscan villages and wines. The work producers have put into improving their wines is increasingly evident. However, there are still hurdles the region needs to cross.
The Pendulum Swings: 2012 Brunello di Montalcino
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Jan 2023
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcinos immediately appealed to buyers, consumers and restaurant-goers. While warm and dry, 2012 yielded balanced wines, but the big question has always been: how well will they mature over time?
2018 Brunello di Montalcino: The Rubik’s Cube Vintage
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Dec 2022
Was it hot, was it cool, was it dry, was it rainy, was it balanced–is it classic? These are all questions surrounding the 2018 vintage in Montalcino. I’ve watched the 2018s evolve for years, and now, they are ready to hit the market in January. But will consumers be running out to add them to their collections? It’s time to find out.