And now for something completely different……Amidst the flurry of Bordeaux 2019 en primeur releases, we are thrilled to offer this unsung Italian hero. From our favourite Chianti Classico producer, Monteraponi, the newly-released Il Campitello 2017, has recently been rated as the joint top Chianti Classico Riserva by Jancis Robinson’s Italian expert Walter Speller in his “Great 2017 and 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva” report comprising 67 wines from Classico’s leading wineries. www.jancisrobinson.com.
Some of the finest Chiantis come from Classico’s Radda area, where the region’s highest vineyards are perched. Italian wine geeks have always bowed to the legendary wines of Montevertine. Well, in fellow Radda producer Monteraponi, we think we have found a pretender to its throne. The estate’s ten hectares are situated around what was originally a medieval hamlet but now home and cellars to owners Michele Braganti and Alessandra Deiana. The high-altitude vines, stretching up to 570 metres above sea level, are grown organically, and wine-making is attentive but gentle and low-tech. The emphasis here is on obtaining top quality fruit and turning it into wine that is full of energy, ageing potential and, most importantly, is expressive of the fabulous terroir they have at their disposal. This means hard graft in the vineyard and a light-touch in the winery. Hand-picking, gentle pressing, long and slow (spontaneous) fermentations and ageing in large used Slavonian oak casks for up to 36 months are all decisions that help to preserve the purity of each individual terroir. This is one of Tuscany’s truly great artisans.
Read MoreFrom a single vineyard located at 420 metres above sea level, Il Campitello is a blend of 90% Sangivovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino aged in large French and Slavonian oak casks for 26 months before a further 3 months finishing in cement tanks. A thrilling and unexpected wine. That there is no sign of the 2017 vintage’s drought making its mark on the wine is testament to the great quality of vine-growing and wine-making. There is a well-judged resinous quality to this – savoury but seductive and mixed equally with some resplendent fruit: pristine red and dark cherry flavours dance with warming notes of pine and dried Mediterranean herb. A crisp but elongated, and very noble, tannic structure gives focus and direction to the wine whilst melting harmoniously into the lifted fruit. This is a livewire bundle of intensity and complexity of flavour that is delivered across the palate so seamlessly it never threatens to fatigue. Rewarding and enjoyable now with food but with clearly plenty more to give, this should drink well over the coming decade.
The wines listed are abroad and are expected to ship Autumn 2020. The prices below exclude duty and VAT. Please contact your account manager or follow the link below to place your order. Our minimum order for free delivery in mainland UK is £300.00 otherwise charged at £18.00.