~ The al fresco dining area of Fattoria Cinciano’s Osteria 1126; a gorgeous, relaxed setting for a wonderfully authentic meal ~
Tucked away along the country road that winds between Poggibonsi and Badia a Passignano sits the wee hamlet of Cinciano. Essentially, Cinciano is a tourist destination; an agriturismo featuring a Taverna, 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 apt to drive right past.
Generally, I’ve not been impressed with wines produced by Agriturismo simply because they are normally an afterthought. Farming crops is first, entertaining guests is second and wine is seemingly produced only for the guests to drink. Not so at Cinciano. While the wines are produced for sale in their Taverna, they will sell “Vendita Diretta” as well. Quality is paramount and Cinciano’s wines are excellent.
~ An incomparable Lardo was served with warm crostini while we waited for our primi to arrive ~
We started with a few different pastas and opened the first wine that we decided to try. The 2011 Cinciano Chianti Classico Riserva is a brilliant shimmering violet with darker garnet reflections. Aromas of crushed berry, fresh flowers, dried herbs and earth are notable and very attractive. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and juicy. A ripe core of wild cherry glides across your palate and is joined by coffee, fennel and earth notes. Superlative wine that is a must for Sangiovese lovers. 96 points. Find this wine.
~ The 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva is one of the best wines I’ve tasted from that vintage. Truly remarkable for its purity, freshness and depth of flavor ~
When the second courses arrived, Daniele and I decided to try the properties most recent release. With dishes featuring cinghiale and coniglio, the 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva offered a glimpse into its promising evolution.
Boasting a slightly more youthful, violet color, the 2015 displayed more floral aromatics than its older counterpart. Crushed wild cherry, fresh roses, cypress needle and toasted spices are notable. On the palate, the flavors followed the nose but the takeaway from this delicious wine was the structure. Clearly the more masculine 2015 is one to cellar for 3-5 more years and then I think you’ll be able to enjoy a long drinking window. These wines are wonderful and deserve consideration. Or, a trip to the estate! 93+ points with promise.
~ The 2015 sports a slightly more youthful color than its ’11 sibling ~
And of course, the company was superb. Grazie amico mio. Ci vediamo!
~ Mio Fratello ! ~
Cinciano Chianti sounds terrific, John! ???? Nice blog post! ☺️ Thanks for sharing! ????
Salute Peter! Always a pleasure to have you stop by.
Well, I now have #1 on my list of new (to me) vineyards to visit on next visit to Castellina, thanks! On the west side of the freeway, yes? That would be new geography to my wife and I. Thanks again.
Freeway? LOL! I don’t think there are freeways in Chianti. This will come up on GPS. It’s close to Badia a Passignano.
Google maps has Cinciano north of Poggibonsi on the west side of the Autostrada roughly “across” (for lack of a better way to put it) the highway from Monsanto. Is that the correct location? Thanks again for your blog, it’s always interesting.
Yes, that’s right. North of Poggibonsi and I’ll say North West of Monsanto. Google Maps also shows the Osteria 1126 when you zoom in. That’s the place.
Waw, are those Zalto glasses used for serving the wine? Pretty rare in restaurants imho
I don’t know what brand they were but they were restaurant provided. Everything about this place was great. Wine, food, atmosphere, pricing… etc.
Those are not Zalto…look how thick is the stem…????????????
Hi John
This sounds like it is definitely worth a stop. I am sitting in Radda Centro right now while Donna shops; let me see if I can make my way there.
Yesterday Orcia wines; today Chianti; tomorrow Vino Nobile in Montelpuciano; Sunday rest and Monday Brunello. So many opportunities to visit and taste. Maybe I better retire so I will have more time.
Joe D
I was thinking of you. I’m in the middle of a small report on Montecucco. Stay tuned.
I love Montecucco wines and they are in our backyard here at Castiglion d’Orcia.
John,
Okay I didn’t make it to Cinciano today as I spent the afternoon at Volpaia. Great lunch; very nice tour and enjoyed some great wines. I was all in on the 2016 Riserva. Shipping it home. Also very much enjoyed the 2016 Coltassaia Gran Selezione. But what sold it for me was the 2016 Balifico IGT (65% Sango; 35% Cabernet). Thoroughly enjoyed it; not the right day temperature wise for it but definitely could see this being a good winter wine with a bowl of wild boar stew. Those also went home. Impressed with all the wines and of course the Borgo is beautiful.