Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2003 Flaccianello della Pieve has aged well considering the oppressive heat of the year. The tannins will always remain firm and the aromatics are starting to show slight elements of oxidation. I don’t see the 2003 ever developing into a great Flaccianello. Readers should consider drinking the 2003 over the next 5-7 years at most. This is a decidedly huge, opulent Flaccianello, but the wine’s extroverted qualities are as well-balanced as one could reasonably hope for.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.