~ Castello di Bossi in Castelnuovo Berardenga ~
Where were you in the year 1099? And no, I’m not expecting anyone to answer. The fact of the matter is, that sort of lineage and history is often commonplace in Tuscany and the Castello di Bossi estate traces its roots to at least that century when the first tower of what is now the Castello was built. Today the estate is a sprawling 650 hectares, though only 125 are devoted to Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot. As you might imagine from an estate of that size, exposure and soils vary with the former running from West to South West and the latter comprised of clay, sand and broken stones. For years now I’ve been extolling the virtues of this property and their range of wines continue to impress. What’s more? The value impresses as well.
~ Vendita Diretta ~
Castello di Bossi has invested heavily in their Castelnuovo property and they proudly profess to have achieved the perfect union between innovation and tradition. The winery consists of six large separate work areas, each with individualized temperature controls, and an overall aggregate area of 3,500 square meters. Despite its size, it is below ground on two sides and almost invisible. The fermentation area also has new temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The estate’s Chianti Classico is made in a traditional manner. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in steel and is then transferred to large botte for maturation.
~ The estate employs barrique for their Merlot but the Chianti Classico is almost exclusively raised in grande botte ~
This is the first article in a 4 part series that we’re calling Twins, or Gemelli. These are geared to providing a side by side comparison of identical wines so that a glimpse into the wine’s evolution can be obtained. Today, we begin with two wonderful values from this estate.
The 2013 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico is a deep ruby color in the glass with a thin violet ring. The color shows no sign whatsoever of any age. The aromas from the wine are simply superb. Crushed red cherry, cypress needle, mushroom and leather are pronounced. You can sense that the wine is from a more reserved vintage and is already developing some tertiary character. On the palate, this 100% Sangiovese wine remains fresh and lively with wild cherry flavors backed by dried spices, Tuscan herbs and fresh but sweet pipe tobacco. Balanced well and fairly long, this appeals now with some air, though I suspect it needs a year or two more to develop further. A bit more classic, a bit more austere, I sense this wine is hiding more of its personality. 87 points. About $20. Find this wine.
~ The 2013 is 100% Sangiovese and was aged for 6 months in large barrels before release ~
As a further illustration of Castello di Bossi’s commitment to quality, the twins represented here are 2013 and 2015 and as you’ll see if you use the provided Wine Searcher links, they did not produce wine in 2014. The 2015 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico is another stellar example from this wonderful vintage. It hits on all cylinders. Perhaps a bit lighter in color, it seems to be brighter; a quality that also presents itself on the palate. The aromas of the wine include crushed wild cherry, fresh blue flowers and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate the wine is more exuberant. The flavors seem to jump at you. Juicy, lively, fresh, ripe crushed cherry abounds on the palate from front to back with tertiary character that isn’t too developed at this young stage. Still, you can sense the floral lavender, hints of vanilla and ground coffee. I just love this. Medium to full bodied, it’s round, ripe and fresh. What’s not to like in a typical Tuscan Sangiovese that sells for less than $20? 90 points. Find this wine.
~ The vines that produce Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico are now over 20 years old and beginning to produce some complex grapes. We served this alongside classic Wedge Salads with bacon and blue cheese and then with roasted chicken. Lovely! ~
Stay tuned for more Gemelli articles in the coming weeks. Got a question or comment? Give us a shout in the comment box!
Salute!
