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Exploring Sangiovese's Range
Cost:
$315.10
Item
#SP0070 |
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About
this Six-Pack:
Flaccianello holds membership in an elite contingent of Sangiovese—a
premier league that evolved through the passionate conviction of certain producers
in the integrity, innate complexity, and potential of Sangiovese. As significant
and influential as these expressions have been and continue to be, however,
they offer but one interpretation of a grape that is most singular, perhaps,
in its plurality.
Toscana—Sangiovese’s principal region—offers many distinct
microclimates and nuanced terroirs. More so than many other major grapes, Sangiovese
brings into detailed relief the specific and highly individualized areas where
it is grown. Its degree of transparency supports three fully realized personas,
each of which serves distinct purposes and objectives: the collectible genre
includes Brunello and Super-Tuscans like Flaccianello; current drinking relies
on Chianti and Morellino; and the space between features Chianti Classico and
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. To illustrate their distinctive characters, we’ve
compiled all of these forms into a special six-bottle sampler. With selections
representing what is arguably the finest expression of each appellation, this
comprehensive tour presents Sangiovese in a brilliant, layered, dynamic monologue.
Where to begin? If it were up to us, we’d start with perfection—a.k.a.,
Il Macchione’s ’99 Vino Nobile Riserva. Few in the Vino Nobile
class rival this finesse-driven, structured expression, which may be as good
as it gets for Nobile. Such performances are rare, but not in this group, which
also includes the flawless 2004 Rosso from Poggio di Sotto. Does it tout its
own praises at $42? Absolutely. While some Rossos are Brunello-like, this one drinks like
a Brunello, ironically making it one of our best values. With its barrique
influence and 15- to 20-day maceration period, you’ll know why La Mozza
made a place for Morellino on Sangiovese’s list. Its unique and generous
take on Morellino make it a stunning value, earning it a regular place on your
table. If your meal requires a more restrained and classy pour, Cacchiano’s
2001 Chianti Classico Mill enio is an ideal complement. The estate releases
one Classico a year, with excellent vintages meriting the Millenio designation.
The ’01 marks only the second appearance of Millenio.
With today well in hand, you’ll want to give some thought to tomorrow
as well. You can go either way with Talenti’s ’99 Brunello: While
approachable now—per Talenti’s trademark style and philosophy—it
still has several years ahead of it that will elicit further complexity, establishing
the ageworthiness that Talenti is noted for. Then, of course, there is Flaccianello—the
one that should go post haste into your cellar. When you open it a few years
from now, you’ll be thankful that we held back and taught you differently.
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- Cacchiano 2001 Chianti Classico Ris.
- Poggio di Sotto 2004 Rosso di Montalcino
- Il Macchione 1999 Vino Nobile Riserva
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- La Mozza 2005 Morellino I Perazzi
- Talenti 1999 Brunello di Montalcino
- Fontodi 2004 Flaccianello
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