Step into the enchanting world of Vignamaggio, a charming winery rooted in the 15th century, as they proudly unveil their latest gem: Cabernet Franc 2020! Nestled in the picturesque heart of Chianti Classico, between the scenic towns of Greve and Panzano, this estate sprawls over 400 hectares. Among these, 65 hectares are lovingly dedicated to organic vineyards, basking at an average altitude of 350 meters above sea level. Imagine seven unique micro-terroirs, each with its own special soil and climate, all cared for within Vignamaggio’s vibrant ecosystem. Here, Cabernet Franc found its perfect spot among the Sangiovese vineyards planted back in the 1960s, in the sun-kissed Solatìo area.
After achieving stellar results by vinifying and bottling it separately, Cabernet Franc was also planted in Orto, a cooler, less sunny area. The magical blend of traits from the Solatìo and Orto micro-terroirs gave birth to Vignamaggio’s Cabernet Franc, first introduced with the 1990 vintage. Fast forward thirty years, and the 2020 vintage marks the debut of a delightful collaboration with renowned winemaker Barbara Tamburini, who has infused her expertise into the production process.
🍇 Vineyards, Winemaking, and Aging 🍷
The majority of Vignamaggio’s Cabernet Franc grapes hail from over 40-year-old vines in Solatìo, a southwest-facing plot in Greve in Chianti. The area’s rocky, clay-rich soils and warm climate contribute to the wine’s extraordinary richness and complexity. Another portion of grapes comes from Orto, which adds finesse and balance to the wine thanks to its cooler, east-facing exposure.
As Francesco Naldi, Vignamaggio’s Agricultural Manager, says, “The grapes from Orto, with its clay-rich soils and less sun exposure, perfectly complement the complexity of Solatìo, enhancing the final wine’s elegance.”
After a careful manual harvest in late September, the selected grapes undergo fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature for about 15 days. Post-racking, the wine goes through malolactic fermentation and then ages in barriques for 18-24 months. Finally, it rests in the bottle for at least 8 months before gracing your glass. The 2020 vintage produced around 6,000 bottles, each one a treasure.
🍷 The 2020 Vintage 🍇
The 2020 vintage is a milestone in Vignamaggio’s journey, with Barbara Tamburini, Italy’s Best Winemaker according to the Wine Oscars, at the helm. Her vision? To harvest perfectly ripe, healthy grapes that create balanced, elegant wines with a distinctive personality. I had the pleasure of tasting some of the wines this May and wow, was I blown away!
- CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG GRAN SELEZIONE: MONNA LISA- Imagine a rich, dark purple wine with dazzling ruby flashes. Its balanced intensity on the nose invites you in with a symphony of dark cherry, prune, and blackberry, harmoniously blended with hints of mentholated balsamic, tobacco, and licorice. This delicious blend is a feast for the senses! The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a special treat, crafted only in the best years from the farm’s prime vineyards: Prato (west), Solatio (south-west), and Querceto (west/south-west). This exquisite blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is first aged in French oak barriques for 18-20 months, then in larger barrels. The wine enjoys a minimum aging period of 30 months, with at least six months in the bottle, ensuring every sip is a
pure delight.
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CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG RISERVA: GHERARDINO- Dive into a stunning ruby red wine with elegant shades of garnet. The fruity nose enchants with aromas of sour cherries, blackberries, and ripe cherries, all accented by hints of tobacco and spices. On the palate, enjoy a medley of forest fruits, soft, bright tannins, and a delightful licorice finish. Every sip is a journey through a lush forest of flavors! Gherardino is crafted from 80-90% Sangiovese and 10-20% Merlot. After careful harvesting and vinification, the wine is aged for 18-20 months in oak barrels and barriques. The grapes hail from the esteemed Prato (west), Solatio (south-west), and Querceto (west/south-west) vineyards, ensuring a blend of exquisite quality.
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CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG: TERRE DI PRENZANO- This wine boasts an intense red color and a fresh, fruity bouquet. On the nose, it reveals vibrant notes of red fruits typical of the variety. On the palate, savor the lingering flavors of blueberry and prune with subtle hints of vanilla. It’s a well-structured wine with light tannins and a perfectly balanced finish. The name: Terre di Prenzano is after the Prenzano farm, an old homestead of Vignamaggio. The Chianti Classico Terre di Prenzano grapes thrive on this
predominantly southwest-facing land, just a few hundred meters from the villa.
- IGT TOSCANA ROSSO: CABERNET FRANC DI VIGNAMAGGIO- This exquisite wine dazzles with its purple hue, shades of violet, and streaks of ruby. It boasts a complex and aromatic profile, rich and defined, with an intense fruitiness featuring blueberries, ripe redcurrants, and raspberries. Hints of aromatic herbs like sage and juniper, eucalyptus, and a touch of sweet pepper add to its allure. On the palate, it’s elegant with notes of fruit and spices, a smooth tannin structure, and a lasting finish. Experience the timeless elegance of Cabernet Franc di Vignamaggio, a wine that captures the essence of history and meticulous craftsmanship!
If you’re seeking some new, innovative, and well crafted wines to taste then look no further than Vignamaggio. They ship across Europe and hopefully we will begin to see more and more of them in the USA available online and in stores! Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly!
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