Two 100 pointers plus more Tuscan tantalizers

If you really enjoy beautiful Sangiovese, read on.

Today’s offer is unique with 2 fine wines imported only by us, given rave Jancis reviews, together with the fine 100 pointer.  All are pedestrian priced.

CHIANTI OVERVIEW

Chianti is the delightfully hilly region between Florence and Siena, known for its award-winning vineyards and villas. However, Chianti is not a geographic place, but reference to an Italian DOCG wine produced in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena in Tuscany. It comprises many small towns and villages within approximately 65 square miles, including Castellina, Radda, Gaiole, and Greve.  The region is characterised by many vineyards, orchards and olive groves and is most often associated with the dry, ruby-red table wines, Chianti and Chianti Classico. The wine must be produced in the Chianti region and made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. Of lesser fame but still worthy of mention are several regional white wines, including Galestro, Vernaccia Riserva and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, as well as the very popular dessert wine, Vin Santo. While no one can pinpoint exactly where the name "Chianti" comes from, it first became classified as a type of wine in the 13th century. By 1716, Chianti wine gained national recognition. Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, declared the official boundaries of the Chianti region (i.e., where Chianti wine could be produced), thereby recognizing it as one of the most important wines in Tuscany.

Stephen Spurrier MW – Fine Chianti represents the best top-end value in the world.

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media – Without any doubt, Tuscan Sangiovese is making some of the smartest wines you will ever find.  In addition, bang for buck, it stands apart.

VINTAGES

2016

James Suckling - If you ever wanted a Brunello di Montalcino for your cellar to age for decades, then buy the 2016 vintage.

DECANTER -  Offers structured, age worthy wines with profound depth, soaring acidity and plenty of drinking pleasure.  5/5.

2020

Wine Scholar Guild  - Fleshy, fruit-filled reds. Dry conditions throughout the season.  The resulting wines are incredibly good.  95/100

2021

Decanter - One of Chianti’s finest ever vintages, combining vibrant fruit, fresh acidity and ripe tannins with impeccable finesse and poise.

Wine Scholar Guild - Regarded as exceptional, arguably one of the best in Tuscany’s modern era, with ratings reaching up to 99-100 points.

Today’s 6-pack:  Comprises two bottles of each fine wine listed below.  Enjoy now after a decant, or cellar for many years.  Please see the attached notes for full info.

• Felsina Fontalloro Toscanaa IGT Riserva 2016

Monica Larner -  The 2016 Fontalloro is the best vintage of this landmark wine that I have tasted thus far. This is a very elegant vintage, with more volume in the mouth and precise notes of tar, liquorice, camphor ash, resin and Indian spice. This wine from 2016 offers a highly focused and chiselled delivery. I am hopeful that this wine will continue to evolve and sharpen as it ages in the bottle. This is a beautiful wine to put aside in your cellar for ten years or more. 100/100                   

• Bakkanali Rosso di Montalcino 2021

Jancis Robinson MW 2023 - Lustrous youthful ruby. Invigorating sour-cherry and blackberry nose with hints of Morocco leather, mace and cumin and minerally saline notes. Succulent, with a full spread on the palate, but astonishingly has only 12.5% alcohol. Fine, gritty tannins fill up the background. Long, super-distinctive and vibrant. 2023-2030  17.5/20                  

• Isola e Olena Chianti Classico 2020.

Jancis Robinson MW 2022 - Just mid crimson. Finely fragrant, sweet raspberry nose. Beautiful precision on the palate with crushed-raspberry fruit and polished, fine tannins. 17.520        

Special offer terms:

Our last 4 cases on special offer today at R7 950 each.  The first 2 cases can be yours for R7 600 each, saving you an easy R350.

Offer subject to confirmation.  First come first served.  VAT included. Delivered to your door the week next week for just R180 (CT area).