2022 ChevernyDomaine du Salvard
France | Loire
$22
Producers
Sesti, one of our Brunello growers in Montalcino, releases this red first to market every year. Named for their “hill of oaks” south of Montalcino, it is a blend of the fruit that doesn’t go into their Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello bottles. The (no longer a) secret is that it is usually even more delicious upon release than its nobler brothers, who need extra time to blossom. Aromatic, vibrant, well built, with an inherent energy and poise, vintage 2016 shows significant cellar promise for those so inclined.
—Dixon Brooke
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Rosso di Montalcino
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Rosso di Montalcino
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Toscana IGT
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Perhaps no region is tied to Italy’s reputation as a producer of fine wine as much as Tuscany. Since Etruscan times, viticulture has played a prominent role in this idyllic land of rolling hills, and the Tuscan winemaking tradition remains as strong as ever today. With a favorable Mediterranean climate, an undulating topography offering countless altitudes and expositions, and a wealth of poor, well-draining soils, conditions are ideal for crafting high-quality wines. Add to that the rich gastronomical tradition—Tuscany is home to some of the country’s finest game, pastas, salumi, and cheeses—and you have the blueprint for a world-class wine region.
This is Sangiovese territory; in fact, it is arguably the only place in the world where Sangiovese reaches a truly regal expression. In spite of a rocky history with fluctuations in quality, traditionally produced Chianti has reclaimed its status as one of the country’s most reliable, food-friendly reds, while the rapid rise of Brunello di Montalcino shows the grape’s potential for grandiose, opulent reds allying power and finesse. Traditionally-minded growers have stuck to using only indigenous grape varieties and employing techniques like aging in massive wooden casks known as botti, creating wines of terroir that shine at the Tuscan table.
Tuscan wines have had a place in our portfolio since Kermit’s first visit in 1977. While the names of the estates have changed, the spirit of those first unfiltered Chiantis he imported live on through our current selections.
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany
Ferretti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Toscana IGT
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Villa Di Geggiano Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany | IGT Toscana
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico Riserva
Cuna Italy | Tuscany | IGT Toscana
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174
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