After a long day of meandering casually through different parts of Tuscany, we stopped at lovely local spot in Castellina to wind down and relax with a spritz. The day had begun in Carmignano, Northwest of Florence, with tour, tasting and lunch at Piaggia. We were treated to a grandiose lunch and were both still fairly full. Perhaps putting two much faith in the digestive powers of the Spritz, we were waiting to meet Andrea Cecchi for dinner. Unfortunately for us, his new trattoria, the Foresteria Villa Cerna, was closed that day. But no worries, Andrea told us, “Ah, we’ll just go out to eat somewhere”. After the short drive to Andrea’s office, he greeted us warmly and asked “Are you hungry?” Not really knowing how to respond, my delay gave him the opportunity to add “because if you can wait a while longer, I know the perfect spot where we can go.” Of course we can wait! Sounds great… About an hour and a half later and we were standing at the entrance to Famiglia Cecchi’s estate in Maremma, Val delle Rose.
Upon arrival we refreshed ourselves briefly with a glass of the 2016 Litorale Vermentino. I’ve written about this wine many times and most recently reviewed the 2017 before its official release. This 90% Vermentino wine is redolent of white peach, wet stones, gardenia blossoms and citrus notes on the nose and palate. Vibrant, zesty and refreshing it’s just what we needed before heading out to tour the vast vineyards of the estate.
Refreshed, we piled into Piero’s Jeep and began cruising the dusty vineyard roads. We began by touring the Poggio al Leone vineyard, where the estate’s fruit for the excellent Morellino Riserva is grown and then the adjacent vineyards where the Merlot for the “gemelli” part of this article is grown. The expanse of land in the Maremma really stands in stark contrast to the central part of Tuscany. Whether it’s near Montalcino or closer to Siena and Chianti Classico, there are towns and villages everywhere. It’s easy to find things whether it’s a bar, a Coop or even a small town with a pharmacy. Here, there is nothing. Here, there is Grosseto and then sprawling landscape from the hills to the sea.
After stopping in and around the vineyards to get a sense of the terroir; feeling the heat, the dirt, the aromas from the scrub and flowers, even the dirt itself, we piled into the Jeep and ascended to one of the highest points on the estate. Once arrived we walked under the shadow of a large cork tree. Andrea looked at me and with arms outstretched widely proclaimed: “Giovanni, welcome in Maremma!!”
After breathing in the aromas and the view – mozza il fiato – we headed back down to the winery. Here near Grosseto the Cecchi’s make wines for their Val delle Rose labeled wines which are crafted to be premium Maremma wines. They also make their value line “La Mora” which though inexpensive, are every day wines that many Italians themselves drink. In fact, they are the wines with the highest production and the largest sales volume. All of Cecchi’s whites are vinified in stainless steel while the reds are aged in a variety of different size barrels. Precision is the key, with all of the processes computer controlled to ensure accuracy in terms of both time and temperature.
It was now approaching 8:30 in the evening and even though we were in Tuscany, tonight we would eat like Romans! After some antipasto and some lovely Vernaccia from Cecchi’s Castello di Montauto estate, we began the meal; an amazing homemade pasta with meat ragu.
With dinner completed and the night waning, it was time to make the trek back to Castellina with all of us keeping a dutiful eye peeled for Cinghiale and Capriolo on the winding country roads. The Val delle Rose estate is as gorgeous as its name implies: “Valley of the Roses” and the vineyards are spectacular. This terroir is unique down in Southern Tuscany and I firmly believe the wines from this estate will get better and better. That is already at least partly evidenced as we fast forward to our coverage of Gemelli, Part 3.
The 2015 Val delle Rose Aurelio is 100% Merlot and a deep violet to purple color in the glass. The drips with sex appeal. Penetrating aromas of crushed black berry, mocha, crushed stones, Tuscan scrub and flowers are complex and harmonic. On the palate, the wine displays wonderful balance between ripe fruit, substantially moderate tannins and refreshing acidity. Deftly crafted. The flavors are simply intoxicating. Loads of ripe black berry coat the midpalate and are surrounded by dark cocoa powder, ripe tobacco, lavender, Tuscan underbrush and espresso. This is nothing short of fabulous and an outstanding value outright and relative to what other Tuscan Merlot cost. Bravissimo! Yes, I have more. 95 points. About $25. Find this wine.
As great as the 2015 is, it’s younger sibling is no slouch. Still unreleased as of this writing, the 2016 Aurelio makes for a very interesting side by side comparison. While 2015 was a textbook vintage, the slightly warmer 2016 vintage presents itself differently in this wine. On the nose the wine displays deep aromas of black fruits, crème di cassis, mocha, cedar, and vanilla with a slight hint of dusty pepper. On the palate, the wine is smoother than a newborn’s backside. Velvety round with crushed black fruit flavors, warm terracotta, Christmas cake spices and ripe pipe tobacco. Slightly lower in acidity but not flabby by any means. Give this some time to come around. Definitely plenty of stuffing to last. 92 points. Should also be about $25 once released.
The Cecchi brothers are doing exciting things. From their creation of Coevo to the revitalization of Villa Cerna and Villa Rosa to their recent purchase of an estate in Brunello, this dynamic team is one to watch. It may very well be that Val delle Rose could emerge as their best property. Time will tell and I will be thrilled to follow along on the journey.
Salute!
John,
Wonderful article; makes me feel like I was there. Sounds like a great experience. Also happy knowing I have (6) bottles of the 2015 AURELIO in my cellar. Do I start now drinking them or wait?
I spent time this morning with our friend Samuele. He said to say “hi”. A great morning at Enoteca di Piazza. They are always great. Samuele’s experience and enthusiasm combined with his years of experience with our tastes ensures the tastings are spot on. After 10 years of meeting with Samuele he remembers just about every bottle we have bought and what we have not necessarily liked. As expected, the meeting ended with securing a shipment for the fall.
Joe D
Since you have 6, I’d heartily recommend trying one. I’m down to four and will probably get more. Give it a bit of air. As for Mr. S, he is great and I should touch base with him as well once the weather starts to cool.
An insightful write-up of this wonderful estate, John.
Rolando, I made your pork tenderloin recipe last night. Big success. I’ll write it up and link to you. It’s a do over for sure. The family loved it.