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Rank #40 - Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2010

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Notes from the winemaker:

Midway between the cities of Florence and Sienna, in the heart of Chianti Classico region. The history of Viticcio is actually the history of the Landini family which, in the early 1960s, became the owner of the winery. The founder, Lucio Landini, an engineer, was also a man deeply attached to Tuscan tradition, the Chianti soil and its products. From modest beginnings the focus remains the same today - the production of high quality wines worthy of an expert international clientele.Viticcio in now owned and managed by Alessandro Landini who, by following in his father's footsteps, is the epitome of a new class of wine entrepreneurs.In addition, the winery has been renovated to include the most modern, cutting-edge technology.

About the Winery:

Fattoria Viticcio in Tuscany has long been the darling of the Wine Spectator and Wine & Spirits magazines. Although it has had years of great press and its wines are priced significantly below neighboring estates in Chianti Classico, their wines were still only available in five U.S. states. What they truly needed was somebody to get their message out on a national scale, and for this they sought out the team at Sherbrooke Cellars. The Landini family have some of the finest vineyard holdings in the famed Greve in Chianti area, and with the recent acquisition of an estate in Bolgheri, I Greppi, plus significant upgrades in the cellars and vineyards, they will prove to be an important winery to watch for years to come.
 
Founded in 1960 by Lucio and Franca Landini, the Viticcio Estate still stands above the picturesque town of Greve, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Their focus is to produce high-quality wines worthy of an international clientele while at the same time respecting the traditions and viticulture of the region. This focus remains the same today under the direction of the second generation, Alessandro Landini.
 
The estate comprises more than 30 hectares of vines, all of which are farmed organically. Additionally, seven of those hectares are farmed biodynamically. Alessandro strongly believes that in order to produce high-quality wines you must first respect the land in which the vines are planted. To this end he uses no pesticides in his vineyards and fertilizes by planting things such as fava beans and barley between the rows of vines, allowing them to flower, and then plowing them back into the soil to add important nutrients. A handful of wines see some time in the smaller barriques, but the large majority is aged in large botti. The wines of Viticcio represent an important combination of traditional, time-honored techniques with modern-day technology and respect for the environment.

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Chianti Classico Riserva

Grape varieties: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot

Alcohol: 13,5% vol.

Vinification: fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel tanks for a period of about 30 days at a controlled temperature of about di 28°C, followed by natural malolactic fermentation in barriques of French and American oak, with no specific yeasts added .

Ageing: 12 months in barriques made of French and American oak, and bottle ageing for a minimum of 6 months

Colour: intense ruby red .

Aromas: soft fruits, currants, black cherry, spicy notes.

Palate: the attack on the palate is firm, very full, red fruit and spices with dense and even tannins that allow a smooth and balanced finish.

Serve with: first courses with meat sauces, roasted or grilled meats.

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Ratings & Reviews

93 Points & Rank #40 on Top 100 of 2010 - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Subtle currant, cedar and floral aromas follow through to a dense, full-bodied palate of ripe fruits and silky tannins, with a long finish. A little age will soften this just slightly. Really serious. Best after 2010. 3,000 cases made." –JS (9/30/2010)

91+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The estate’s 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva comes together beautifully in the glass, with layers of perfumed fruit that flow effortlessly from a rich, generous frame. There is wonderful depth and persistence in suggestions of red fruit, earthiness, tobacco and licorice that come to life on the palate. This is one of the more firm 2007s I have come across and it needs to be opened well in advance. Sweet floral notes add brightness and lift to the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Viticcio is an excellent source for well-priced wines from the heart of Chianti Classico." (08/09) - Antonio Galloni (10/2010)

93 Points, "Highly Recommended" & Rank #35 on Top 100 of 2009 - Wine Spectator Magazine (2006 vintage):
"Fabulous aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with supersilky tannins and amazing richness and subtlety. Goes on for minutes on the palate. Best from 2010 through 2015. 2,345 cases made." –JS. Oct. '09

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine (2006 vintage):
"Lush richness and velvety concentration set this wine apart from most Chianti Classico. The blend includes 15% Merlot (which is a lot) and you can really taste spice, chocolate fudge and black cherry. Determined oak notes reveal themselves in the mouth and add to the wine’s overall richness." (5/31/2009)

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2006 vintage):
"The estate’s 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva is a rich sensual wine bursting with sour dark cherries, French oak, new leather and flowers. As it sits in the glass the wine’s inner perfume emerges with even greater clarity, melding beautifully into the soft, creamy finish. This is a terrific effort from Viticcio. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016." (08/09)

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