Winemaker Notes
The backbone of this rosso is Sangiovese grown in the Chianti Classico zone, just north of Siena. Combine that position in the warmer southern end of the region with Villa di Geggiano’s south-facing vines, which soak up an abundance of sunlight, and you get some powerful, concentrated Sangiovese. To balance that robust character in this bottling—meant more for festive imbibing—the Bandinelli brothers add a generous splash of Ciliegiolo, a Tuscan variety that lends the rosso juicy exuberance. They also blend in some Syrah, which gives the wine a little savoriness and hint of pepper. The result is a Tuscan red that is immensely joyous and approachable in its youth.
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.