Winemaker Notes
Flaccianello combines all the wild and old-world characteristics of the Sangiovese grape with the modern vinification techniques of what may be the top winemaking house in Tuscany today. The wine is like a taming and training of a beautiful black mustang stallion that has spent just enough time in the wild to retain its fiery disposition. It opens up with brambly notes of berries and currants, cloves, lavender, violets and a hint of bittersweet chocolate. I wonder at the grace of the wine as I delight in the first sip that is supple and cool on the mouth but full of warm flavors that light up the palate with bright notes of cherries and strawberries, tempered with touches of earthy leather and cherry-nut chutney. The wine crashes into the mid-palate on a wave of currants, blackberries, and more, riper straw-berries as it balances itself at the same time on pure tannins and pinch or two of new, vanilla oak. The finish…oh the finish…Well made Sangiovese never disappoints and the Flaccianello rolls on and on seemingly forever. Finally it fades with light herbal notes…a hint of mint…a dash of licorice basil…then it's gone like a shooting star winking out in the night sky.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of ripe fruit with a smoky, meaty, bacon, and cherry character – even dried mango and other fruits. Full and round tannins with bright acidity and an intense finish. Loads going on here. New wood is a little overpowering now but will come around wonderfully. Give it three to four years of bottle age still.
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Wine Spectator
Fading to reddish brown at edge, this displays a bouquet of eucalyptus, medicinal herbs, licorice and leather. Rich, powerful, it's just coming out of it's shell, with muscular tannins on finish and a long aftertaste of leather, underbrush and mineral.—
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.