~ The Canonica Vineyards lie within Castelnuovo Berardenga and are interspersed with cypress and olive trees ~
The Canonica a Cerreto Estate lies in the heart of the Chianti hills in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga. As the name implies, the property was originally a Church and Rectory (Canonica) where Monks resided.
Today the estate is a small family winery run by the Lorenzi family. The property boasts 60 hectares in total including 21 hectares of vineyards and 7 hectares of olive groves. The rest is devoted to forest. Within the rectory where the monks used to reside, there are now apartments available for rent. The wine cellars lie directly adjacent to and under the owner’s home.
~ The Lorenzi’s sitting on the steps to the entrance of their cellar ~
The first cellar was built over one thousand years ago by monks from the Cathedral of Siena. It remained intact through the centuries and was used by the Bishops who owned and resided at the Canonica for over three centuries. In 2003, the Lorenzi’s completed a new underground cellar with various size stainless steel tanks and a barricaia for aging their wines.
~ The new cellar at Canonica was finished in 2003 ~
The 2016 Canonica a Cerreto Chianti Classico is a deep ruby throughout. Expressive aromas punctuate the air around the bowl of the glass. Fragrant crushed cherry, roses, fennel and lavender are very attractive. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively. Crushed berries, succulent herbs, toasted spices and black plum are concentrated and juicy. Well balanced throughout. The 2016 is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and then aged for 12 months in a combination of new and used French barrique. 92 points and a wonderful value around $18. Find this wine.
~ A juicy, fruity, floral Chianti Classico. This was a wonderful value and is 90% Sangiovese & 10% Merlot ~
For other examples of Chianti Classico from this Commune, please see below:
Salute!
Thanks for a post about a producer I’ve never heard of or seen on a shelf. Posts like this are what make Tuscan Vines a great resource.
Off topic, but it seems there has been some very cold weather in Tuscany. Do you expect any impact to this year’s production?
Steve, unfortunately there has already been major impact from frost damage that occurred just yesterday. I saw heartbreaking pictures from Montepulciano, Montalcino and San Gimignano. It’s bad. Like a re-visit if 2017. The one region unscathed so for had been Chianti Classico. The generally higher altitude means less humidity and a lower risk of frost. But it was about 22 degrees there last night and bud break was very early. It’s a recipe for disaster.