~ Peering at Piemaggio ~

Back in June, I introduced you to Piemaggio, a lovely estate north west of Castellina in Chianti.  Owned and run by Larissa Karaban, the estate boasts some of the highest vineyards in the entire Chianti Classico appellation.  In fact, the name Piemaggio descends from a contraction of Pieve (church) and Maggiore (high atop a hill).

Piemaggio has only 12 hectares under vine and deliberately releases their wines much later than the law would otherwise require.  Karaban and winemaker Michele Neri feel that only when the wines have matured enough to represent Piemgaggio’s unique terroir should they be released.

The epitome of that philosophy rests in the very nature of today’s subject matter.  While the wine at hand hails from the 2006 vintage, it has only recently been released.

~ Gamba barrique in the Piemaggio Cantina ~

The 2006 Piemaggio bears the Colli della Toscana Centrale designation.  Sourced from some of Piemaggio’s highest vineyards, the vines sit at almost 500 meters above sea level in a combination of Alberese and Galestro soils.  Wide temperature swings between day and night enable ripeness while allowing the grapes to retain ideal levels of acidity and freshness.  The wine is a blend of 65% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet.

In the glass, it presents a deep garnet red with violet highlights and a trace ring of copper at the edge of the bowl.  Alive and fresh on both the nose and palate, the wine displays aromas of cedar, ripe red fruits, sweet pipe tobacco, earth and cocoa.  On the palate,  dark chocolate covered cherries sit on your mid-palate while tobacco and spices frame the larger image.  From the wonderful and powerful 2006 vintage, the ripe tannins are still very much evident and without food, this still exhibited quite a bit of grip.  Aged for 36 months in tonneaux and 3-6 months in bottle prior to release.  95 points.  Disclosure: This bottle was a producer provided sample.

Piemaggio wines see limited importation to the US, but that may soon be increasing.  EU readers should have a much easier time finding them.  Go here:   Wine Searcher

~ A lovely Super Tuscan blend from Castellina in Chianti ~

Salute!

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