Toscana tasting

I ran a Toscana tasting for a friend of mine.

• 2015 Famiglia Nunzi Conti Chianti Classico Nunzi Conti

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Typical Chianti Classico; simple and clean. Very well balanced structurally, with the welcoming acidity working in unison with the loose burlap-like tannins. Broad on the palate with a juicy consistency. Despite the moderate flavour intensity (subtle dried floral notes, dried red cherry, dried cranberry, savoury character) the alcohol is held in check. Has seen some time in oak, adding more to the texture of the wine rather than the flavour profile. Respectable length; made for easy drinking. Still showing well; relatively vibrant given its current age (10 years).

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• 2011 Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio a'Frati

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  An ambitious Riserva, from a potentially tricky vintage. Quite heavy and broad on the palate with a pulpy consistency. Oak (coffee, toast, vanilla) in the fore; with aged characteristics (old leather, meaty character) and primary notes (sour red cherry, dried cranberry) in the background. A lot of oak. The primary notes have decent flavour intensity, but are just smothered by the oak. Structurally, the smooth, velvety tannins dominate the moderate acidity; alcohol shows some warmth. Persistent length, layered complexity, but has probably passed its peak drinking window.

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• 2007 Colognole Chianti Rùfina Riserva del Don

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina

  This Riserva is showing VERY well for its age. Weighty with a fleshy consistency on the palate. Still relatively primary (red cherry, dried cranberry, red plum, crushed rocks) but is showing some tertiary notes (old leather, savoury character). Interesting mix of mineral and fruit primaries. Oak (toast, smoke, dark chocolate) has integrated nicely, and is very much in the background. Texture of the wine is more tense and rigid with an impression of a smooth polished stone rather than fabric. High acidity but is welcoming, and in balance with the tannins. Alcohol is mostly held in check but some warmth does poke through intermittently. This wine shows personality, is very generous and still full of life. Layered complexity, endless length. Wow.

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• 2018 Piaggia (Vannucci) Carmignano Il Sasso

  Italy, Tuscany, Carmignano

  Ambitious, very extracted; almost a syrupy consistency. Very fruity (red cherry, cranberry, black plum, mulberry) with floral overtones (violets). Oak is in the background (toast, vanilla). There is a tension on the palate where the flavour intensity is dense and concentrated, but the texture of the wine is loose and silky. A little disjointed. The acidity is welcoming, but the tannins dominate for a drying finish with persistent length. The amped-up nature of this wine needs food. Bit of a brute. It is good for a change, but if you are after something a little more elegant, this may not be the wine for you.

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• 2015 Tenuta Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore

  Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore

  A big wine. Exuberant. Very masculine. Weighty and fleshy on the palate. Black fruits (black plum, blackcurrant, blackberry), earthy savouriness, salinity, pyrazines (snapped pea), and oak (coconut, toast, vanilla). The oak appears to be way more integrated than a few years ago. Ripe tannins provide a tense, denim-like texture. Layered complexity, endless length. Bit of a brute, but I think it works.

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• 2014 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia

  Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia

  Well made. Refined with an elegant execution. Not trying to overachieve in a tricky vintage. Horizontal and rounded on the palate with fleshy black fruits (blackcurrant, black plum, blackberry), crushed rocks, salinity, and subtle pyrazines. Acidity is in balance with the velvety tannins. The texture of the wine gives an impression of a smooth weathered stone. Balanced alcohol, layered complexity, and persistent length. Enjoyable.

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During the tasting we discussed extended maceration and if it is masking the expression of terroir… interesting chat!