Tuscany Summer Wines: Whites, Rosati and Sparkling

Included within my Chianti Classico Collection 2021 Review this year I gave a brief history of this famous denomination in which I mentioned that Chianti Classico started life as a white wine.

This statement energised my thoughts into reviewing the present stock of white wines produced mainly in Chianti Classico then I decided to include Rosato and sparkling wines to my tastings...

Because of the worldwide fame of red wines produced in Tuscany, the whites from this region are mostly ignored or overlooked, or worse still derided as a poor quality product.

Nothing can be further from reality: the whites, Rosato and sparkling wines from Tuscany are generally a quality product at a good price… a gift for the consumer!

The main native grapes of the region are Vernaccia, Vermentino, Trebbiano and Malvasia, (Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a DOCG) usually Tuscan whites come under DOC or IGT banners.

The IGT version allows winemakers to experiment and create wines of variety according to grape, terroir and the winemaker’s vision.

In recent years, Chardonnay has become very popular in Tuscany and many producers are making terroir led high quality wines from this international variety. These wines are generally less buttery than their French counterpart, showing a fresh, fruity, mineral and acidity led experience.

The Tuscan coastal region of Bolgheri DOC appellation are mainly planted with Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc. Bolgheri whites are characterised by citrus and floral notes.

From Montalcino, whites are predominately Moscato Bianco showing summer fruits, honey with a light dry texture.

In addition I have noticed the Incredible effort and meticulous work practises being the adopted norm in trying to elevate the quality of these wines, that will one day receive its fair share of international market appreciation.

Tasting Notes

Tuscany Rosati Wines

Vignamaggio Albaluce Rosato 2020

Medium copper in colour with pale pink undertones. Made with Merlot and Syrah. Crushed strawberry with green top, lime, white flowers. Carefully balanced. Clean texture. A mixture of white pepper and saltiness on the back end

Points 89 TW

Castello di Radda Rosato 2020

Pale copper in colour. Made with Sangiovese grapes. Crisp entry, showing orchard fruits, honeydew melon. Rounded and focused. Yellow florals. Broadens on the close. Nicely done.

Points 91 TW

Poggio Torselli 1427 Rosato 2019

Pale salmon in colour. Pugnitello 100%. Glorious florals of jasmine and violet. Silky mouthfeel. Dried apricot, faint earth notes, spice on the long finish.

Points 91 TW

San Giusto a Rentennano Fuori Misura Rosato 2020

Deep pink in colour. Crushed warm strawberry, raspberry, red rose petals, cranberry. Light in texture but has depth. Showing orange peel notes on the close.

Points 92 TW

Brancaia Rosé 2020

Pale copper in colour. Made using Merlot grapes from Maremma. Fresh and bright, Showing green apple, peach, lemon zest. Dry texture yet juicy, with a long finish. Impressive.

Points 93 TW

Casale dello Sparviero Rosato 2019

Pale copper with pink undertones. Sangiovese 100%. Biologico. Clean and fresh with soft berries, green apple, notes of tangerine oil. Elegant. Savoury. Engaging.

Points 92 TW

Tenuta di Liliano Montanello Rosato 2020

Medium salmon in colour. Made with 100% Sangiovese. Wild strawberry, dried raspberries, violet florals. Rich. Savoury entry expands on mid palate showing balanced acidity with lime zest edge.

Clean aftertaste following long close.

Points 91 TW

Cinciano Gotifredo Rosato 2020

Papaya, orange peel, tangerine oil, almond, florals of rose petal and violet. Green savoury notes. Red cherry notes on the back end. Concentrated and persistent.

Points 91 TW

Rocca di Montegrossi Rosato 2020

Pale pink in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Subtle floral aromas of white and rose petal. Wild strawberry, kiwi, orange peel. Has resonance from the off. Expressive. Comes with a layered feel.

Clean. Long finish.

Points 93 TW

Villa Montepaldi Castellina Rosato 2019

Pale copper in colour. Sangiovese 100%. White floral aromas with orange blossom. White peach, melon, tangerine oil, dried earth. Clean and fresh. Fruity mouthfeel. Fades slightly after mid palate. Fresh acidity keeps everything in place.

Points 90 TW

Rosato dell’Aiola 2020

Hot pink in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Concentrated soft, white fresh fruit; white peach, pear, apricot, notes of lime zest. Held in an acidic and crushed rock mineral veil. Balanced and linear.

Points 91 TW

Terrabianca Arillo Bevorosa 2020

Faint pale copper in colour. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Ciliegiolo. Wild floral aromas followed by peach, green apple, kiwi. Savoury. Has a touch of class about it. Layered. Sea pebble minerality with orange oil on the back end.

Points 94 TW

Casa di Monti Bruzzolo Rosé 2020

Medium copper in colour with pink undertones. Sangiovese 100%. Aromas of fresh cut flowers and blue petals. Soft strawberry, orange peel, crushed stone. Dry and bracing. Mix of spice and faint tobacco on the end.

Points 91 TW

Carpineto Dogajolo Rosato 2020

Pale copper with pale pink undertones. Intense bouquet of rose petal, orchard fruit, citrus oil and almond. Soft curves. Balanced within a millimetre of its life. Fresh crisp aftertaste. Bordering on savoury. Downright pleasant.

Points 93 TW

Torcibrencoli Lostinto Rosé 2019

Palest pink with orange hue in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Aromas of red rose and orange blossom. Apricot, Ogen melon, guava, starfruit and liquorice. Concentrated perfumed taste with orange peel nuances on the close. Would suit as a chilled dessert wine.

Points 90 TW

Fattoria San Michele a Torri Rosé 2020

Deep salmon in colour. Made from a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Needs aeration. White peach, apricot. Piercing acidity. Tannins show a green edge, maybe will balance out given time. Vegetal character.

Points 87 TW

Tenuta Carobbio Terra Rossa Rosato 2019

Medium salmon in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Strawberry with green tops, cranberry, sour cherry, wild meadow florals. Light and creamy in texture. Well balanced. Good fresh acidity. Long finish.

Points 92 TW

Fietri Rosato di Sangiovese Biologico 2020

Pale copper with bright pink undertones. Heady aromas of crushed pink rose petals, grapefruit, watermelon, sage and stone minerality. Pink pepper. Elegant layered texture. Fresh clean mid palate leads to a long juicy close with chamomile nuances. Wow!

Points 94 TW

Castello di Meleto Borgaio Rosato 2020

Brilliant pale pink in colour. Fresh warm strawberry, watermelon, red cherry, hazelnut. Rich soft rounded texture held up by balanced acidity and ultra fine tannins. Edging on the savoury. Linear.

Points 92 TW

Le Cinciole Rosato Biologico 2020

Pale pink in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Delicate blue floral aroma. Apricot, guava, pink grapefruit and pink pepper. A mix of lemon oil, sea pebble minerality and dried Mediterranean herbs lead to a citrus infused close.

Points 93 TW

Bibbiano Scappalepre 2020

Sangiovese 100%. Red cherry, raspberry, lime oil, white flowers, almond. Bitter orange peel. Soft and delicate. Overall fresh and crisp. Medium bodied. Caresses the palate.

Points 91 TW

Rocca delle Macíe Campo Maccione Maremma Toscana Rosato 2020

Pale copper in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Pink lady apple, dried pear, crushed raspberry, followed by grapefruit and lime zest.Fresh, inviting, dry texture showing a wine of balance and subtle complexity.

Points 92 TW

Vecchie Terre di Montefili Rosato 2020

Brilliant pale salmon in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Sour cherry, watermelon, green apple, kiwi, chamomile, pink pepper. Soft and agile on the palate. Ripe and fresh tannins vie with rapier acidity.

Medium bodied. A wine showing its terroir.

Points 92 TW

Lecci E Brocchi Il Meticcio Rosato 2020

A blend incorporating Sangiovese, Malvasia, Canaiolo Nero and Ciliegiolo.

Fresh soft white fruit, warm strawberry, candied orange peel, earthy notes, under bush, dried prune. It is a bit confused…and so am I.

Points 86 TW

Dievole Le Due Arbie Rosato 2020

Palest of pale copper. Sangiovese 100%. Aromas of ripe strawberry, lemon oil, rose petal and pink grapefruit. Fresh, crisp and elegant with a citrus character.

Points 92 TW

Principi Corsini Villa Le Corti Venusio Rosato Biologico 2020

Pale pink in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Ripe strawberry, nectarine, almond, chamomile lead this fresh crisp savoury wine. Nuances of dried earth and leather add to the overall appeal.

Points 92 TW

Fattoria Melini Poggio a Rossi Rosato 2020

Pinot Nero and Sangiovese? Red rose petal, red berry, orange peel, notes of tangerine oil, juicy. Chewy tannins. Medium bodied dry. Very fragrant.

Points 91 TW

N.B. The traditional colour for Rosato was deep or dark pink

Tuscany White Wines

Vegi Margherita Chiostri Bianco 2014

Medium straw with yellow highlights in colour. Blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia del Chianti and Chardonnay. Aromas of yellow flowers with some grass notes. Grapefruit, stewed pear, stem ginger and vanilla. Delicate entry coats the mid palate in warm orchard fruits with pin point balance. Ginseng on the back end. I wandered why this vineyard sent me a 2014 to taste - I now know… A beauty!

Points 95 TW

San Fabiano Calcinaia Cerviolo 2019

Pale gold in colour. Toscana Bianco Chardonnay with Sauvignon Blanc? Aromas of white flowers, white peach and lime zest. Warm, soft edges with light to medium weight. Fresh acidic balance takes over on the mid palate giving a fresh, clean mouth feel to the close.

Points 91 TW

Castello di Monsanto Chardonnay 2019

Pale yellow in colour. Peach, pear, mimosa, green gage and citrus oil. Crushed rock minerality underpinning chewy tannins and fresh acidity. Mouthfeel fresh and tart.

Points 91 TW

Bibbiano Listrice 2020

Medium straw in colour. A blend of Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano. Green apple, honeydew melon, lemon peel, white flowers. Compact. Medium bodied. Good balance.

Points 90 TW

Castello Meleto Borgaio Vermentino 2020

Pale straw in colour. The elegance of the citrus aromas finally gives way to yellow apple, pear and ripe green melon. Yellow florals. Delicate acidity encourages a broadening of the palate to a linear long finish. All this held up with faint notes of clove and oyster shell minerality.

Points 93 TW

Podere L’Aja Marmato 2020

Palest of gold in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Bouquet of white flowers, citrus rind, peach, faint notes of grapefruit. Tannins are a little green, finish comes up very sharp and tart. Needs bottle time to settle.

Points 88 TW

Carpineto Dogajolo 2020

Pale straw in colour. A blend of Chardonnay, Grechetto and Sauvignon Blanc. Melon, white peach, green apple, white rose petal, chalk. Warm, soft edges. Could do with more acididity. A little lean.

Points 88 TW

Gagliole Il Bianco 2019

Pale yellow in colour. A blend of Chardonnay, Malvasia and Procanico. Melon, warm apricot, pineapple, toasted sesame. Compact, layered, wonderful balance. Back end showing cedar, flesh of yellow peach. Finish just goes on and on. Beautifully crafted.

Points 93 TW

Rocca Della Macíe Campo Maccione Vermentino 2020

Pale straw in colour. Orchard fruit, peach, white pepper, sage, white florals. Warm, soft, rounded but has structure to see it through.

Points 89 TW

Rocca Della Macíe Campo Maccione Chardonnay 2020

Pale yellow in colour. Delicate bouquet of cedar, jasmine, grapefruit and gooseberry. Warm, rounded. Lacks a little structure. Inward looking.

Points 88 TW

Castello di Albola Poggio alle Fate 2019

Pale bright yellow in colour. Chardonnay 100%. Yellow florals, peach, starfruit, white peach and lemon oil. Balanced. Juicy. Broadens nicely on the back end.

Points 91 TW

Fèlsina I Sistri Chardonnay 2019

Medium straw in colour, baked green apple, honey-suckle aroma, lemon oil, faint grapefruit notes. Medium bodied. Layered. Coats the palate with such a light touch. Bright and classy.

Points 94 TW

Poggio Torselli Bizzarria Bianco 2019

Pale straw in colour. A blend of Chardonnay Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc. Green apple, mulberry, gooseberry, piecrust and lime zest. Spring cut florals. Concentrated and balanced. Moves across mid palate on tip toe. So refined and classy. Long finish.

Points 93 TW

Fietri Hic et Nunc Biologico 2018

Pale straw yellow in colour. Chardonnay 50%, Viognier 50%. Graphite minerality aromas followed by almond, yellow apple, sage and citrus oil. So compact and linear, everything in tune. So elegant and clean. Leaves the palate fresh with a faint touch of sea pebble salt. Wonderfully put together.

Points 94 TW

San Michele a Torri Campotrovo 2020

Pale gold in colour. Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Petit Menseng. Green apple, apple blossom and vanilla. Clean, fresh with a lovely pinch of white pepper and lemon peel on the back end. Such a clean mouthfeel.

Points 92 TW

Isole e Olena Chardonnay 100% 2019

Pale yellow in colour. A delicate mixture of white and yellow florals. Yellow apple peel, gooseberry, white peach and apricot. Complete. Complex. Layered. In total harmony with itself. Defines balance and elegance. The texture is light, crisp and conveys transparent structure. Persistent from start to long caressing finish. Without doubt the finest terroir-led Chardonnay in Italy - by a country mile.

Points 96 TW

Cinciano Prezziano 2020

Pale straw in colour. 100% Sangiovese. White peach, lime, grapefruit, almond and tangerine oil. Balanced, juicy, sea pebble minerality. Medium bodied. Has a lime zest and gardenia character. I like it.

Points 93 TW

Torcibrencoli Il Pinone 2019

Pale gold in colour. Malvasia and Trebbiano blend. Yellow floral aromatics. Honeydew melon, peach, mint, green apple and pear. Captivating mouthfeel, so juicy. Warm and expressive. So refreshing. Clever work here. If you can find it - buy it. Very small production.

Points 93 TW

Famiglia Cecchi Tenuta Alzatura Montifalco Bianco 2019

Medium straw in colour. Trebbiano. Very herbal with yellow florals. Honey, hazelnut, banana, lime oil. Good balance with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Citrussy character with notes of grapefruit on the close.

Points 92 TW

Brancaia Bianco 2020

Pale straw in colour with greenish tinge. Blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a splash of Viognier. Green apple, lychee, grapefruit, citrus blossom and piecrust. Fresh and clean, showing a citrus character.

Points 91 TW

Torcibrencoli Il Matan 2018

Deep gold with pale brown undertone in colour. Trebbiano 100%. Needs aeration. Ripe apricot, blood orange, pomegranate and tangerine oil, slate, orange curaçao and peppermint aromas. Soft, warm and juicy. Sour notes on the finish keep the palette fresh.

Points 92 TW

Donna di Valiano 2020

Pale gold in colour. Chardonnay 100%. Aromatics of grapefruit, gooseberry, yellow apple and lemon confit. Earth notes. Clean and fruity. Medium bodied. Linear. Compact. Long finish.

Points 91 TW

Terrabianca Arillo Bevobianco 2020

Pale straw in colour. Chardonnay and Viognier. Needs aeration. Faint honeysuckle aromas mixed with yellow apple, Ogen melon, lemon curd, piecrust and dry stone. Open, appealing mouthfeel. Clean and fresh with distinctive minerality.

Points 91 TW

Collazzi Otto Muni Fiano 2019

Pale yellow with green tints in colour. White floral notes, melon, pineapple, starfruit, honey and passionfruit. Middle palette showing medium body, linear and creamy texture. Nuances of ground hazelnut and lemon oil follow the mid palette. Long finish.

Points 91 TW

Tenuta Carobbio Piluka 2020

Pale straw in colour. Pino Bianco 100%. Yellow apple, hazelnut, green gage. Fresh, layered, with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Slight toasted feel. Savoury. Persistent.

Points 90 TW

Famiglia Cecchi Val delle Rosé Cobalto 2018

Pale yellow in colour. Vermentino. Intense nose of lime, grapefruit, almond and yellow florals. Rich and creamy. Good minerality. Zesty fresh acidity gives a crisp mouthfeel.

Points 90 TW

Colombaio di Cencio Colombaio Bianco 2020

Medium yellow in colour. A blend mainly of Trebbiano and Malvasia. Aromatics of dried flowers, pear, kiwi, almond and mint. Very appealing mouthfeel, slightly oily. Tinged with sour notes.

Points 91 TW

Casa di Monti Biancospino 2020

Pale gold in colour with green highlights. Blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia. Orchard fruits, almond, lemon oil and grapefruit. Sorrento lemon peel. Wonderful balance. Very quaffable.

Points 91 TW

Fattorie Melini I Colti 2020

Pale straw in colour. Melon, pear, chamomile florals, grapefruit, lemon peel. Broad texture but unfortunately fades quickly on the close.

Points 88 TW

Vignamaggio Tramonte 2020

Pale straw in colour. Herbaceous florals, grapefruit, distinct minerality, pear and almond. Dry and bracing. Coconut nuances on the finish.

Points 91 TW

Famiglia Cecchi Val delle Rose Litorale 2020

Medium yellow in colour. Vermentino. Delicate aromas of white flowers, elderflower, ripe pear, almond, Amalfi lemon and lime zest. Medium-bodied. So fresh and clean, pink grapefruit nuance on the finish. Wow!

Points 93 TW

Principi Corsini Tenuta Marsilina 2020

Aromatics of white flowers. Vermentino. Honeydew melon, Asian fruit, lemon oil and green tea. Crisp, fresh, with a touch of rock salt gathering on the end. Very enjoyable.

Points 92 TW

Villa Montepaldi Ateneo 2019

Pale yellow in colour. Sauvignon Blanc. Mediterranean bush aromas, white peach, pear, melon and passionfruit. Minerality of crushed rock. Sour notes on the back end.

Points 90 TW

Folonari Ambrogio e Giovanni Tenuta di Nozzole Le Bruniche 2020

Chardonnay. Delicate florals, white peach, gooseberry, lime and starfruit. All happens on entry and mid-palette. Expansive. Fruity, juicy, clean, crisp with slate minerality.

Points 92 TW

Villa Montepaldi Chastellina 2019

Medium gold in colour. Trebbiano, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino blend. Apricot, dried flower, citrus oil, white peach. Fresh with good balance. Medium-bodied. Juicy. Zesty finish.

Points 90 TW

Geografico Contessa di Radda Bianco 2020

Pale gold in colour. Fresh lemon-scented aromas. Lychee, grapefruit, honeydew melon, green apple. Rich and creamy with dry stone minerality that keeps the whole thing in place.

Points 91 TW

Carpineto Farnito Chardonnay 2019

Pale gold in colour. Florals of white flowers. Peach, honeydew melon, crab apple, mint. Ultra fine tannins. Soft curves. Savoury. Tightness on exit. Interesting and appealing.

Points 92 TW

Giovanni Bulgari Poder Nuovo a Palazzone NicoLeo 2019

Medium Straw in colour. A blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto. Yellow apple, white peach, lychee, grapefruit, almond with faint gardenia aromas. Medium bodied. Concentrated. Fresh and juicy. Distinct minerality quality.

Points 92 TW

Ricasoli Torricella Chardonnay 2018

Medium straw in colour. This wine leads with a mixture of minerality and white peach, green apple, vanilla and gooseberry. Layered and compact, with a thin, sharp edge of fresh acidity. Linear as a line of longitude. Long finish. Juicy.

Points 92 TW

Folonari Tenuta del Cabreo La Pietra 2018

Pale gold in colour. Chardonnay. White flowers, peach, passionfruit, acacia honey. Savoury. Beautifully crafted. Shows class from the off, balanced, delicate yet structured. Floats across the palette giving sensual pleasure in each millisecond. Expands slightly before a long finish. This is right up my street!

Points 94 TW

Castello di Volpaia Prelus 2019

Medium straw in colour. Vermentino. Aromatics of yellow florals. White peach, pineapple, secondary nuances of green apple with sea pebble minerality. Linear and tight in its complexity. Refreshing mouthfeel. Grapefruit notes on the close.

Points 93 TW

Dievole Campinovi 2018

Medium straw in colour with gold reflections. Trebbiano and Malvasia. Peach, yellow florals, white plum, white mulberry. Fresh, compact and zesty. Apricot nuances, with crush rock minerality coming off mid-palette showing individual character.

Points 92 TW

NOTE

There are basically two different styles to Vermentino. The first, a rich and creamy offering, the second, a lighter floral wine with zesty notes. This difference sometimes occurs after alcoholic fermentation. The wine maker may add a special bacteria called Oenococcusoeni which feasts on the tart malactic acid in the wine and in turn produces a flavour compound called Diacetyl… this tastes rich and creamy, like butter, and gives an oily sensation.

Either, in my book, are acceptable.

Tuscany Sparkling Rosati

Fèlsina Vino Spumante di Qualità Brut Rosé

Pale copper in colour. Delicate and refined. Skates across the palette showing white berries, pink florals, almond flakes, green apple acidity. Well-crafted.

Points 92 TW

Panzanello Azienda Agricola

Goccia Brut

Pale salmon in colour. Red berries with rose florals. Savoury. Has depth. Zesty with a candy edge.

Points 89 TW

Principi Corsini Vino Spumante Rosé

Palest of pinkest salmon in colour. Aromatics of pink rose petal, crushed wild strawberries, pink lady apple, pink peppercorn. Soft entry. Fresh acidity with oyster shell minerality. Delicate but full of juicy flavour. Impressive.

Points 92 TW

Aiola Brut Rosé

Medium copper in colour. Lively zesty foamy entry. White raspberry, chalk and citrus oil. Layered feel.

Points 90 TW

Capineto Brut Rosé

Pale copper in colour. Fine aromatics of pink rose petal, hints of piecrust, wild forest fruits, almond. Expressive. Medium dry with strong fruity character.

Points 91 TW

Castello di Monterinaldi Aire! Spumante Rosé

Medium pink colour. Fine and persistent perlage. Crushed wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry notes and piecrust, nuances of lemon peel oil, hint of coconut. Clean and balanced. Compact. Showing class. Medium body.

Points 91 TW

Castello di Meloto Borgaio Colto Allebolle Rossato

Medium salmon in colour. Creamy perlage, cherry, strawberry. Elegant and balanced. Kiwi and brioche on mid palette. Very appealing.

Points 92 TW

Cacchiano Vino Spumante Rosé 2015

Pale copper in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Yeast and bread dough. Wild strawberry, blackberry. Bordering on full-bodied. Balanced. Clean fresh acidic mouthfeel. Fine pelage. Rounded texture. Orange peel aftertaste.

Points 92 TW

Tuscany Sparkling Whites

Fèlsina Vino Spumante di Qualità

Pale gold in colour. Usually a blend of Sangiovese, Pinot Nero and Chardonnay. Aromas of spring-cut flowers, green apple, kiwi and peach. Citrusy character. Clean and fresh. Mid palette showing piecrust with white florals. Well-crafted. Vertical. Broad long close.

Points 92 TW

Carpineto Brut Vino Spumante di Qualità

Pale straw in colour. Orchard fruit, delicate white and yellow florals, strawberry with green tops, bread crust with lime zest. Clean, crisp mouthfeel. Fresh acidity with distinct structured minerailty. Impressive.

Points 93 TW

Carpineto Dolce Vino Spumante Aromatico di Qualità

Pale straw in colour. Tropical fruits, has a Muscat character, nuances of caramel, brioche and bitter orange peel. Secondary nuances of orchard fruit led by yellow apple. Sweet by name but subtle in its delivery. Clever work here.

Points 92 TW

Carpineto Farnito

Pale straw in colour. Citrus character. Elegant and refined. Rich layered spicy. Dry texture Long finish.

Points 92 TW

Dievole Altea

Bright pale straw in colour. Fine persistent perlage. Orchard fruits, creamy foam texture, marzipan dough nuances. Dry with medium body. Faint tangerine oil notes on close. Linear. Soft mouthfeel.

Points 90 TW

Villa Calcinaia

Mauvais Chapon 2015

Medium amber in colour. Fresh baked bread crust, yeasty, red berries. Tight citrusy character. fresh crisp flinty minerality. Broad long finish.

Points 91 TW

Fattoria Capineto Fontalpino Boulé

Pale straw in colour. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend. White peach, yellow apple, piecrust, lemon oil and white florals. Rounded texture with fine perlage. Appealing bittersweet aftertaste.

Points 91 TW

Villa Calcinaia Mauvais Chapon 2014

Medium gold in colour. Sangiovese 100%. Perlage was virtually absent, but evident on mouthfeel. White cherry, white mulberry. Rapier acidity. Medium bodied. Not showing at its best. Perhaps a little past its plateau.

Points 88 TW

My thanks go to the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico and the wine producers for sending their wines for my review… in addition with my apologies for posting my report about 3 weeks late! This was due to a Summer cold that stopped me from wine tasting for that period.

TW