Opulence and Elegance Reign in Tuscan Wines from the 2015 Vintage

I was in Europe in early spring of 2015 (wet and chilly weather, by the way), but I wish I had visited during the summer. By all accounts the 2015 vintage year was one of the best on record and wines produced were, and continue to be, exceptional. I’m fortunate to have been sent (as samples) three Tuscan wines from that vintage year and with each sip, I tasted the quality of that memorable growing season.

Ahhh, Tuscany. The historic, beautiful region has consistently maintained its role as one of the most renowned viticultural regions in Italy. Within Tuscany are six of the country’s DOCGs:  Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Conero and San Gimignano, the only white wine DOCG in the region. It was in Tuscany that “Super Tuscans,” wines based on Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and other varieties, were first created.

Grape growing is divided into two bands running from north to south. Near the coast, low altitude and a maritime climate is optimal for Bordeaux varieties to thrive. Further inland, a wide diurnal shift and altitudes of up to 500 meters help produce complex and structured red wines with vibrant acidity.

The primary grape in Tuscany is Sangiovese. Wines boasting bright acidity and firm tannins, touch of oak, notes of earth, blueberries and tart cherries, and moderate amounts of alcohol are the region’s flagship offerings.

In what ways was the 2015 vintage in Tuscany notable?

After a wet and cold winter, summer was anything but! The flowering season experienced clear days with mild temperatures and below average rainfall, as compared to previous years. During fruit set, daytime temperatures were sunny, hot and stifling, yet cool nights helped the grapes stave off the day’s effects. There was much appreciated rainfall in August and Sangiovese grapes that survived the summer’s stress flourished. Harvest occurred, for the most part, during September and October. As expected, yields were somewhat smaller due to some of the growing season’s challenges.

The wines from 2015 exude power, structure and elegance – descriptors that characterized the wines I tasted. Each was rife with lush fruit and savory notes, firm tannins, high acidity, balance and an uncanny ability to pair with foods I love. Let’s taste!

Montecucco Rosso DOC Tenuta l’Impostino 2015 ($19) is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot cultivated in the producer’s Querciolaia Vineyard of fertile soils of clay, organic matter and chalk. Aged for 18 months in barrels and minimum of 6 months in the bottle, I discovered a quality wine at an astounding price. On the nose, aromas of cherries, earth, black fruit, dark chocolate, cola and vanilla were intense. The palate burst with elements of black fruit, earth, smoke and tobacco. Framed with firm tannins and moderate acidity, the finish lingered.

Montecucco, a hidden gem of sorts, is a remarkable slice of Tuscany. With one of the lowest yields in Italy, about seven tons of grapes per hectare are obtained in Montecucco. Under vine are 96 hectares located at 150-400 meters above sea level. Vineyards are found on the lava rich slopes of Mount Amiata, an extinct volcano, under which are hot, thermal springs. The climate is cool and windy, thanks to currents from central Italy and breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast. Sunshine, optimal rainfall in the winter, and a broad diurnal temperature range in the summer help the grapes, over two thirds grown organically, thrive.

Located east of Florence is Castello Nipozzano, in the heart of the Chianti Rufina territory on a mountain slope overlooking the Arno river valley.  History abounds at the estate. In fact, “the first documentation about the renowned wines of Nipozzano dates from the Renaissance when great artists such as Donatello and Michelozzo Michelozzi regularly purchased wine from the estate.”

It’s here that wine grapes in Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti 2015 ($20) were cultivated. This specific wine, Chianti Rufina Reserva DOCG, was “selected by the Frescobaldi family to continue the tradition of reserving a Private Collection for its new productions.”

Of Sangiovese and lesser quantities of Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Canaiolo, intense and rich aromas of bright cherries, raspberries sage, cinnamon, mocha, and subtle notes of earth and oak wafted from the glass. On the layered palate, I found solid tannins, just-right acidity, ripe red fruit, juicy blackberries, vanilla, cola and cocoa. Aged for 24 months in oak and 3 months in the bottle, consider pairing this outstanding wine with game meats, duck, venison and of course, your favorite Italian dishes.

Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna 2015 ($55) is an exceptional blend of 65% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot cultivated on parcels located within the cooler part of the estate. Opulent, sophisticated and incredibly balanced, I explored layers upon layers of aromas and flavors. On the nose, elements of black plums, cherry cola, violets, milk chocolate, white pepper, cedar, tobacco, vanilla and baking spice were enticing. The palate, framed with moderate tannins and energetic acidity, offered notes of red fruit, cola, chocolate bar, anise, wet stone and a sensation of minerality. The exceptional Valadorna 2015 was aged in French oak, 70% of which was new, for 12 months.

Tenuta di Arceno has produced wine since the 16^th century. It’s located near the fork of the Amra River that flows north towards Florence and the Ombrone River that flows southward, towards Grosseto. Historically, the area was the epicenter of the Etruscan civilization. As an homage, the word “Arceno” comes from the Etruscan word “arche” meaning “point of origin.”

The estate produces three premium Toscana IGT wines: Arcanum (its flagship Cabernet Franc-led blend), Arcanum (a Merlot based blend) and Valadorna (a blend of international varieties). It’s is comprised of 2500 acres with 220 acres under vine – the balance is preserved for native vegetation including olive orchards. 63 separate vineyard blocks are planted with 50% Sangiovese and 50% international varieties including Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The views of the ancient walled town of San Gusme from the vineyards look breathtaking… and I can’t wait to visit!

 

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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