Monthly Archives: F Y

Winery of the Day: Fattoria Tregole

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Fattoria Tregole is a unique vine farm and charming residence in Tuscany in the heartland of Chianti Classico. From their terrace, you can see the vineyards in an unspoiled countryside. Food is a real feature of any visit to Fattoria Tregole, and they even offer cooking classes! They invite you to enjoy the dinners and try their delicious Chianti Classico wines! This is the perfect place where you can relax and fully refresh yourself.

Vineyards

Fattoria Tregole’s 19.76 wine-making acres are made up of a medium kneaded soil with a rich framework exclusively of Alberese and Galestro, which is an ideal condition for the Sangiovese tendril. Their company started in 2001 with the objective of making wine in the traditional “Tuscan Method”, while applying the necessary innovations that make the product one of the finest wines of the last several decades. Their vineyards were planted at different periods and are between 10 and 40 years old. The old plants have a planting density of 3500 plants/ 2.47 acres, the young plants of 6000 plants/hectare. They are based on the noble Sangiovese grapevine along with small traces of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These last two are used in the limited production Super Tuscans. Production does not supercede 8453.50USpints (7039.01UKpints) of wine per 2.47 acres.

Wines

Chianti Classico DOCG 2009

Chianti Classico DOCG “Riserva” 2007

To learn more, visit their website.

Winery of the Day: Fattoria di Rignana

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Surrounded by 120 hectares of vineyards, woodlands and olive-groves, the Fattoria di Rignana is situated in the very heart of Chianti Classico, within easy reach of all Tuscany’s tourist destinations

History

The historical center of the farm dates back to the 11th century, when Rignana was a castle controlled by the Commune of Florence along the Sienese border. Today, Cosimo Gericke and Sveva Rocco di Torrepadula welcome their guests in a warm, friendly environment, where great attention is paid to even the smallest detail.

Vineyards

The Fattoria di Rignana produces wine and olive oil. 16 hectares of the estate are covered by vineyards, 8 of which are Sangiovese, 1.5 of Merlot, and the rest Malvasia and Trebbiano Bianco – except for one hectare of Canaiolo Nero, which is cultivated very carefully since it is the basic component of vintage Chianti Classico.

The calcareous-clayey nature of the soil, positioned at a height of 350 meters above sea level, the excellent exposure to the Tuscan sun (the vineyards have south and south-eastern exposure), the traditional cultivation and harvesting methods adopted, all rigorously by hand, make the estate’s Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva two excellent, full-bodied wines. The ruby red color, which is typical of Chianti Classico, with more accentuated amber reflections in the reserve wines, the bouquet and the non-persistent acidity, give Rignana’s red wines an unmistakable elegance, which is further developed by the precious wood of the barriques. Another very successful wine is the rosé, a fruity wine to be enjoyed ice cold, which is much appreciated by visitors of the Villa and the estate on warm summer evenings.

Wines:

Chianti Classico Rignana 2009

Chianti Classico Riserva Rignana 2008

For more information, visit their website.

Winery of the Day: Castello Di Starda

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Castello di Starda is a small, picturesque village of medieval origin located between the Siena and Arezzo rolling hills, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region,Tuscany.

History

Built around 1000 AC by the noble family of Conti Guidi, Castello di Starda is a place which offers a unique atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. Its beautiful hills characterized by olive trees, oak woods and vineyards make this place rich in a captivating natural beauty and history that allows you to breathe in the charm and glorious past of this enchanting village. It is the ideal choice for those seeking the relaxation and quietness of nature.

Vineyard

Castello di Starda has an 8 hectare vineyard, from which is produced Chianti Classico DOCG wine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vin Santo and Grappa, with the brand Malaspina in honor of the ancient aristocratic family.
The key to Castello di Starda’s success is the indigenous Sangiovese grape and the traditional methods of harvest, selection and production.

Wines

Chianti Classico Malaspina 2008

Chianti Classico Malaspina 2007

Chianti Classico Riserva Malaspina 2007

IGT Il Gentiluomo Toscano

Merlot

Vinsanto

For more information, visit their website.

Mastering the Best of Wines

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If you have to master something, Tuscan wines is it!  Just think of the homework …

But seriously, Chianti Classico was involved this week in the highly regarded Tuscan Wine Masters Academy classes.  For upcoming academy classes, check the events calendar here and on balzac.com.    Edgar Solis reported in on what transpired this week :

The Tuscan  winemaster academy-San Francisco

Edgar Solis' photo

SF Wine Pairing Examiner
From April 10 to 12, 2012 Balzac  Communications based in downtown Napa organized and executed the Tuscan Wine  Masters Academy, an intensive three day certification class that included 10  tastings each of Sangiovese from three of the most paramount wine regions in  Tuscany: Chianti  Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
The event took  place at Monaco Hotel in downtown San Francisco and was  sponsored by the Consorzios (Trade Associations) of the 3 wine regions.
From 9 to 11:30 a.m. each day, Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser introduced the  wine lovers crowd to each of the 3 wine appellations with the visual help of a  professional Power Point Presentation, his jovial personality and his anecdotes  about visiting each of the wine regions.  Tasting 10 wines of each region  was the best way to learn about the similarities on the backbone of these wines  and what makes each particular wine style on these regions unique from each  other.

Chianti Classico is the most widely sold Italian classified  wine.  Among the many rules governing the production of Chianti Classico,  The Sangiovese grape must account for at least 80% of the blend with the  remainder being any of the allowed red grapes (no white grapes allowed).   These grapes include natives like: Canaiolo and Colorino as well as “international” varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  Chianti  Classico produce wine of consistently great quality with predominant aromas of  Dry flowers, violets, sandalwood, red fruit and fresh herbs.  On the palate  you feel the tannins up front with pleasant acidity and flavors of tart cherry, cranberry, green tea and notes of chalk.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a rising star among Tuscany  wine regions, still developing its own style of Sagiovese based wine.  To  call a wine a Vino Nobile, 70% of the blend have to be from the grape variety of  Sangiovese, called “Prugnolo Gentile”,   the other 30% may be joined by  other varieties authorized for the Tuscany Region.  This exiting expression  of Sangioves is still developing its own identity some of their wines have more  red fruit vs. black fruit; dried flowers vs. fresh bouquet; dark plums vs. dried  figs; mushroom vs. tree bark; fruit compote vs. Balsamic.  Their wines  showed dry flowers and herbs aromas, great acidity on the palate, denser flavors  and robust tannins.

Brunello di Montalcino is a well oiled wine machine, with  its parts working at unison.  Brunello di Montalcino is made with 100%  Sangiovese grapes (Brunello clone) grown within the territory of the Montalcino  Township; it was the first Italian wine to have obtained the Denomination of  Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG) on July 1, 1980.  Brunello shows a  complex bouquet of dried flowers, red berries, cherries, sandalwood brown spices  and earth.  On the palate, Brunello is elegant, pleasant and harmonious; it  is a rich and well-balanced wine with great structure and acidic freshness.   The main characteristic of Brunello is its aging capability, when you buy  it is at least 5 years old.

 

Could you Handle 10 days of Chianti Classico fun?

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“Chianti Classico Is”

10 Glorious Days Exploring the wines, foods, music and more of Chianti Classico

May 25 – June 3, 2012

With the grand fete, “Chianti Classico Is”,  the Black Rooster district struts its stuff.   

Seminars, concerts, tastings and exclusive gourmet meals roll out in tidal waves of activity and fun.  What’s not to love?

In Gaiole in Chianti, the knives are already being sharpened in preparation for a cook-off with two stellar chefs, while in Radda and Castellina, vintners are getting ready to present their wines through the old streets of town. San Casciano Val di Pesa will combine its Chianti Classicos and those of Tavarnelle and Barberino with street food coming from all over the country.  This is “Chianti Classico” and these events are only a small portion of the offerings during this 10-day fete.

 After the success of the first three editions, the “Black Rooster fete” has been extended from 8 to 10 days and its name changed from “Classico is” to “Chianti Classico is” to further emphasize the symbiosis between the event and the wine inspiring it. Because this year, too, while the calendar includes various events enlivened by art, culture and fine food, the guideline they share is always Chianti Classico, the “icon-denomination” known worldwide not just because it’s synonymous with premium labels but above all because it embodies the history, culture and social identity of a “cult” region with an inimitable lifestyle.

For more than a century a model for wine tourism in Italy, with over 1 million wine-lovers visiting it each year, “Chiantishire” is an evergreen, a great classic that never goes out of style, with an offer for every taste: “Chianti Classico is” (may 25 – june 3 – info: www.classico-e.it) becomes an occasion in which the whole district goes on stage, dedicating to premium wine lovers a unique events calendar organized by the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium that enriches the wine & food offer the territory provides the throughout the year.

Right from may 25 it will be possible to tour the more than 350 Chianti Classico wineries and attend the events some of them are organizing: on may 25 San Casciano will be welcoming the finest street food purveyors from all over Italy, who for four days will be combining their delights with wines from the communities of Barberino Val d’Elsa, S. Casciano and Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa, in collaboration with the Streetfood Association.

There will be seminars at the ancient convent of Santa Maria al Prato in Radda, where Borgogna will be compared with Chianti Classico; tastings beneath ancient vaulted loggias in Castellina and through the streets of Radda; picnics on the lawns of old villas, Chianti Classico DOP olive oil workshops, music, art at the wineries and much, much more on a calendar viewable in its entirety at www.classico-e.it.

The event’s grand finale will be held in Gaiole in Chianti, where territory homemakers will compete in the second edition of “Home-cooking Trophy”

Program 

May 25 – Castellina in Chianti

Pentecost dinner under the vaulted loggias

8 pm

The traditional dinner inaugurating “Pentecost in Castellina” will be held in the same place again this year. The event will open Chianti Classico is in one of the loveliest places in the territory. The Ristorante Albergaccio in Castellina will cater the dinner.

May 26-27 – Castellina in Chianti

Pentecost in Castellina

3 to 8 pm

A weekend of tastings open to the public to sample the wines from the southern part of the territory during “Pentecost in Castellina”, the event organized by the Castellina Wineries Association in collaboration with the Castellina town council. The vintners will be present during the tastings, for one-on-one meetings with final consumers.

The wines can be tasted only after purchasing the glass that will be sold at the reception desks located at either end of the loggias.

May 25-27 – San Casciano Val di Pesa – Piazza della Repubblica gardens

May 25, 5 pm to midnight; May 26, 11 am to midnight; May 27, 11 am to 7 pm.

The Black Rooster & Street Food

Back again is the finest street food from all over Italy paired with Chianti Classico wines from Barberino Val d’Elsa, Tavarnelle and San Casciano Val di Pesa. Plus workshops on Chianti Classico DOP olive oil and concerts in San Casciano’s main piazza.

Tasting of Chianti Classico from these three communities.

On May 25 and 26 concerts of various types of music from 7 pm to midnight.

May 27

Departure from Castellina and Strada in Chianti – 9:30 am

The Black Rooster legend, on foot

An on-foot re-enactment of the historic Black Rooster legend. Like the medieval riders, departure will be at cock’s crow, one route departing from Castellina and the other from Strada in Chianti. The two groups will meet in Panzano with a finale lunch at Dario Cecchini’s “Solo Ciccia” restaurant.

May 27

Greve in Chianti – The Pescille lemon hothouse, Panzano in Chianti

5 pm

Great goals in football history… in tasting

Just prior to the start of the European Football Championships, a tasting re-evoking the greatest goals in history paired with 10 great Chianti Classico wines.

June 1-5 – Lamole (Greve in Chianti) – Piazza di Lamole – June 2, 11 am to 8 pm; June 3, 4 and 5, 11 am to 9 pm

The scents of Lamole

Valle di Lamole vintners meet with the public in four days of open-air tastings.

Info: Greve Tourism Office: 055 8545271

June 2 – Santa Maria al Prato Convent – Radda in Chianti

The “Radda in the glass” seminars for Chianti Classico is

10:30 am

Parlez-vous Raddes?

Radda in Chianti’s Chianti Classico compared with Burgundy wines in a fantastic tasting.

3 pm

Do you recognize Radda?

Blind tasting with “intruders”. A tasting challenge for aficionados, asked to recognize the particularities of Radda wine territory.

June 2-3 – Radda in Chianti –Saturday, 2 to 7 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6:30 pm

Radda in the glass

Tastings of Radda in Chianti wines through the streets of town

May 27 and June 3 – Castellina, Greve, Radda, Gaiole – local restaurants, 1 pm

The Homemaker’s Trophy

The territory’s cuisine prepared by its most faithful interpreters: the homemakers of Greve, Castellina, Radda and Gaiole. In an all-Chianti tournament, the “queens of the house” of the four communities lying entirely in Chianti Classico territory will vie with typical dishes in three events devoted to great home cooking. Diners will decide the winning town after tasting the homemade dishes.

Semifinals

May 27, 1 pm

Greve vs. Radda

Le Cascie – Castellina in Chianti

Castellina vs. Gaiole

Il Chiasso dei Portici restaurant – Radda in Chianti

Finals

June 3, 1 pm

Cost: 25 € per person, 22 € with the Classico è Card

Daily

Tours

Daily excursions exploring the different spirits characterizing Chianti Classico wineries. A guide will accompany you during a day devoted to the Black Rooster and where it is born and grown: castles, abbeys, big and small wineries, twixt art and the Sangiovese credo. Each tour includes a visit to two wineries and a tasting of their wines.

Booking and info: Essence of Tuscany – 0577 741392  – info@essenceoftuscany.it and Geofirias Firenze – 055 2479880 – geofirias@geofirias.com

Tour fee: 18€ per person

So, what we want to know now is:  can you handle all this fun?

Ciao!

 

 

The Life of Chianti Classico

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Here is a glimpse of the history of Chianti Classico- its birth, growth, and modern day life.

The Middle Ages: The Beginning of Chianti

The earliest documentation of making the wine called “Chianti” is from the 1400’s.

1716: Chianti Wine is Born

The Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo II, issues the proclamation that establishes the borders of the Chianti Wine production zone. This proclamation is the first legal document in history that defines a wine-making area.

1924: Italy’s First Wine Consortium is Created

To protect the production of Chianti wine, 33 vintners got together to create a consortium that would defend Chianti wine and its mark of origin. The Black Rooster was immediately chosen as the Chianti symbol.

1932: The “Classico” is the Only Original Chianti

From the Chianti zone, six other Chianti wine types were born. To protect the original and oldest zone of origin, the suffix “Classico” is given to distinguish the original wine from the other “Chianti” wines made outside the historical production zone.

1984: The DOCG Arrives

The entire region of Chianti is granted DOCG (Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed) status, which is the highest rank for premium Italian wines.

1996: Chianti Classico Becomes an Independent DOCG

After 60 years of being asubzoneofChianti, Chianti Classico becomes an independent DOCG.

2005: The Black Rooster Appears on the Neckband

A new official member is added to the Chianti Classico family- the black rooster. The Black Rooster is added to the Italian state bottle seal, and reinforces its role as the unifying symbol of all of Chianti Classico.

A Few Facts about the Best of Tuscany

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In 2010, Chianti Classico produced 7,000,581 gallons of wine. That would fill over 140,000 standard bathtubs.

Chianti Classio’s territory is comprised of 173,000 acres. That’s the size of nearly 173,000 American football fields.

There are 25,000 acres of vineyards in Chianti Classico. The same amount of vineyards make up the North County area in California, which runs from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles.

 

 

Chianti Classico Featured in the Tuscan Wine Masters Academy

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Come learn about Chianti Classico at the Tuscan Wine Masters Academy!

When:

April 10: Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico

April 11: Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

April 12: Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino

9 am- noon

New York

Where: New York Vintners

Speaker: Tracy Ellen Kamens, DWS, CWE

San Francisco

Where: Hotel Monaco

Speaker: Tim Gaiser, MS

For more information or to register for this event, contact Stacey Orozco at sorozco@balzac.com

Chiantishire?

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That the British love Chianti Classico is a well-known fact, and indeed so much so that Tuscany itself is affectionately called Chiantishire. But the territory that’s the homeland of one of the world’s most famous wines “speaks” more than English, as confirmed by the fact that the 30,000 members of the “Muskankarna” – the world’s biggest wine buff club, with 155 chapters in Sweden and others in Finland, Spain, France and Belgium – have chosen Chianti Classico as “Territory of the Year 2012”, confirming it as one of the world’s favorite destinations. And they are preparing to travel to it throughout the year, starting with the “Chianti Classico Collection”, the preview of the Chianti Classico 2010 and 2011 vintages and 2009 reserve being held at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence (February 20 for the trade and February 21 and 22 for the press – www.chianticlassicocollection.it).

Few wine territories in the world are as famous as Chianti Classico, giving it the imprint of an actual brand, a strong “territorial trademark” and making it a place, as well as a denomination, loved by millions of people in countries all over the world for whom Italian wines are not just synonymous with excellence but also with an admired lifestyle. Such as Sweden – and the northern European nations in general, with Scandinavia in the lead – which is today one of the top markets for Italian wine, not just in terms of figures (in the first 10 months of 2011 Italy exported wines and musts worth 75 million euro, compared to the 67 million a year before, rising to 280,000 hectoliters from the previous 270,000, according to Federvini processing of ISAT data) but also for the extraordinary popularity that Italy itself enjoys.

Among the many projects that “Muskankarna” promotes is selection of a Wine Capital distinctive for its premium products that for an entire year will be the focus of tastings, seminars and visits by its members. And after Würzburg in Germany, Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Franceand Stellenbosch in South Africa, the choice now falls to Chianti Classico, busily preparing to welcome all the wine-lovers arriving to visit wineries and purchase the territories fine products, staying at “Friend of Muskankarna” wine estates throughout 2012.

Each Chianti Classico bottle is born precisely from this lovely succession of colors and fragrances, from a territory devoted to winemaking, from the skill and passion of our vintners and from the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium’s constant endeavors and research aimed at giving its members the best tools for making great wine. However, every label is also born from the history of our territory, from the events that have influenced it and from a variety of grape, the Sangiovese, that here expresses itself best. We are eager to recount this history personally”. And in the spring, opening its doors to wine-lovers will be the 18th century Convent of Santa Maria al Prato in Radda in Chianti, an artistic and cultural asset of the territory that is now owned by the Chianti Classico Consortium and non-profit Foundation for the Protection of Chianti Classico. Currently being restored, it will become a multipurpose center devoted to tourists, wine buffs and wine scholars.

Chianti Classico is not only a world-famous wine but also a world-famous territory and one with such a variety of guest accommodations that it has become a model in the wine tourism sector; and this is Chianti Classico’s “resource within the resource”: a wine, a territory but also a long tradition of hosting wine-lovers. According to a quick survey the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium conducted among its wineries – with 109 of a total 372 replying – Black Rooster land offers 16 B&Bs with up to five rooms, 32 that have five and up, 2 hotels with up to five rooms and 4 with more than five (for a total of more than 500 beds) plus 385 apartments sleeping a total of 3,000 people; there are also 70 swimming pools, 6 spas, 7 gyms, 4 riding stables, 7 tennis courts, 16 restaurants for people staying at the guest facilities and 20 that are open to all.