Friday Sips

Buzz and commotion are never at a shortage whenever there is a new release of one of Rocca di Montegrossi's wines!! Over the years the following that we've developed for Marco Ricasoli's Rocca di Montegrossi wines has become very formidable and deservedly so, these wines on all levels are some of the most tremendous in all of the Chianti region, especially the top-value Classico.

2011 provided Tuscany with very warm conditions that were on the lines of years like 2007 or 1997 resulting in full, fruit-forward wines that have excellent early appeal and nice potential for aging. Montegrossi's 2011 has followed suit but Marco's version never loses what we call "that Gaiole steeliness". Bountiful and full of exuberance, this appealing Chianti sports round cushiony cherry notes that are backed up by smoked sage, violet, roasted earth and tingling hints of cinnamon all leading into a savory, rich and velvety mouthfeel. Submerged structure below the surface forms deceptive backbone allows this Tuscan red to stand up to rich meat-sauced pasta dishes and hard cheeses. Drink through 2023. If you want a score, this has 92 Points from Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media.

Located in Panzano in Chianti, not far from Florence and the great estate of Fontodi, the wines of Casaloste are some of the best-kept secrets in all of Tuscany. Current owner Giovanni Battista d'Orsini has developed a solid reputation for his wine. This qualified agronomist and winemaker utilizes organic farming to put forth the best grapes to go into his fine wines. Very much an "innovative traditionalist, Giovanni's wines first and foremost reflect Panzano's top level terroir from his 360+ meter vineyards.

Elevated in 2500 and 3500 liter French casks along with some small barrels, the 2010 version emits terrific aromas of plum and blackberry along with hints of vanilla, sage, undertones of smoke and currants. In the mouth, it is an authoritative Chianti with excellent chewy flavors, lots of penetration all which plane out on the smooth and luscious finish. Very lovable now and will continue to drink well through the end of the decade.

Perched on the hillsides of Radda in Chianti, Volpaia, one of the grand names of Chianti, have long made sophisticated, debonair Chianti. Traditionally-made and maintaining the fragrant, perfumed floral traits that are what Radda in Chianti are all about, this wine has such a classy and ethereal tone about it.

Finely detailed Chianti with shimmering elegance, red fruit characteristics and a generous finish that has an earthy purity along with roasted Tuscan herb notes underneath. While it has always been delicious, the latest and greatest version of Volpaia's Chianti Classico at 20 bucks is now one of THE spectacular values in all of Tuscany.

The southernmost Chianti Classico village and environs is Castelnuova Berardenga. This is an area where the Chianti wines are defined by power and the undeniable leader here is Fattoria di Felsina. Having worked with these wines for 2+ decades, this estate is consistently on their top form and vintage 2011 is no exception.

As usual Felsina's Chianti Classico is made from 100% Sangiovese. In fact Felsina's Chianti wines have always been 100% Sangio even when it was illegal to label it as such. Deep, glistening and highly fragrant aromas deliver subtle hints of peonies, thyme, roasted earth, along with overriding chocolate covered red berries. A great balance of velvety-smooth flavors, seamless integration as well as underlying structure and weight from start to finish make for a wine that is very scrumptious indeed yet one that can develop and smoothen out even more over the next 6-8 years. Enjoy with a grilled steak or hearty, meaty pasta dishes. Felsina is a true Tuscan gem and if you have traveled there and love the flavors of the region, this Chianti is for you.