Cellar Note: Cinciano Riserva 2011

~ Fattoria Cinciano is a singular destination with winery, osteria and apartments ~

The last time I was in Tuscany was the Summer of 2019.  After a warm day, the evening cooled noticeably and was very comfortable.  Hungry, thirsty and without any plans,  I put myself firmly in the charge of my friend Daniele.  We ended up at Cinciano.

Tucked away along the country road that winds between Poggibonsi and Badia a Passignano sits the wee hamlet of Cinciano. Essentially it’s a tourist destination with an Osteria, apartments and winery.  Despite this, it’s not an area well known to tourists.  In fact, if you don’t know where you’re going, you’re likely to drive right past.  Unlike many agriturismo, wine is a central focus at Cinciano.

~ The Osteria at Cinciano is called “1126” – the year the Fattoria was founded ~

Ever since tasting the wines that evening with Daniele, I have been on a search to find them.  However, finding the vintages I wanted proved fruitless in the US.  But I was determined. Daniele offered to take delivery of the wines locally and send them to me, but I didn’t want to inconvenience him. That’s when it hit me.  I bet they’ll ship directly.  As a result of my following the winery on Instagram, I decided to email them.  The pandemic proved challenging, but ultimately I persevered and as a result, Cinciano’s wines are resting in my cellar.  Minus one.

~ The views from Cinciano are spectacular ~

Cinciano is fairly traditional in their approach to winemaking.  The Chianti Classico Riserva is 100% Sangiovese and the vines are approaching 25 years of age.  Vinification takes place in stainless steel and cement takes for up to 30 days.  Large Slavonian casks are used for aging which extends for 14-18 months depending upon the vintage. 24 hectares of vineyards exist on the property.

The 2011 Cinciano Chianti Classico Riserva is a deep garnet red.  Straight from the bottle the aromas are enticing.  Loads of black cherry, dark chocolate, espresso bean, worn leather and chestnut are amazing.  On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied with finely woven tannins that are silky but persistent.  Round and juicy with flavors of dark chocolate, crushed cherry, turned earth and leather, this is as fresh as it was 2 years ago.  Long on the palate with a juicy, leathery finish. I adore this.  95 points.  Find this wine (in small quantities) or purchase directly from the winery.

~ The Cinciano 2011 Riserva is an outstanding wine and hasn’t changed at all since I tasted it 2 years ago ~

Stay tuned for more data points from this winery.

Salute!