From: Tuscany, Italy
Blend: Sangiovese
Taste: Intense, deep, ruby red color with subtle glimmers of garnet. Tasting notes reveal a wine that captivates with its rich bouquet of dark cherries, plums, and hints of violets, underpinned by subtle tobacco and spice notes from careful aging in oak barrels. It is elegantly structured on the palate, with a balanced acidity and firm tannins that promise a long aging potential. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering taste of ripe fruit and earthy undertones. Full of mature tannins and fruitiness.
Pairing: Its robust profile makes it a perfect companion to the rich flavors of Tuscan cuisine. Classic pairings include grilled meats, such as Florentine steak, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, enhancing the flavors of both the dish and the wine. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses and hearty pasta dishes, where the wine's complexity complements the savory notes of the food.
Penne al Baffo (Creamy Tomato-Ham Pasta)
By Anna Francese Gass
About: In the heart of Tuscany, nestled within the rolling hills and ancient olive groves, lies the estate of Badia a Coltibuono. With roots stretching back to the 11th century, this abbey-turned-winery holds an enduring legacy of Italian winemaking. The name, translating to "Abbey of the Good Harvest," reflects a history steeped in the monastic tradition, where monks once cultivated the land, laying the foundation for what would become a beacon of quality and tradition in the Chianti region.
The vineyards of Badia a Coltibuono benefit from a unique confluence of geological and climatic factors that define its terroir. The estate is perched on the region's hillsides, an area renowned for its stony soil, rich in limestone and schist, which allows for excellent drainage while retaining warmth. This, coupled with the Mediterranean climate that brings hot summers and cool winters, creates an environment where Sangiovese grapes thrive, expressing a balance of acidity and complexity that is hard to find elsewhere.
Chianti Classico Riserva, a designation that the 2018 Badia a Coltibuono proudly bears, is reserved for wines that meet the highest quality standards in the Chianti Classico region. To qualify as a Riserva, wines must age for at least 24 months, including at least three months of bottle aging, allowing for greater complexity and depth of flavor. This designation is not just a mark of time but a testament to the care and dedication that goes into every bottle.
