~ The Entrance to the Gagliole Estate in Castellina in Chianti ~
When you turn onto the dusty, white stone road that leads to the Gagliole estate, it’s easy to be transported back to a simpler, ancient era when the Etruscans farmed, toiled and bled among their terraced vineyards and manicured olive groves.
Given that, it’s hard not to be overcome by a sense of the symbolic. It’s as if you are being transported back through time. Gagliole captures all of the enduring Tuscan spirit. The white, cypress lined road evokes the peace and tranquility of another time. A bucolic time, that stirs the soul and blossoms romance. I heartily encourage you to let it sweep you away.
~ The offices and cantina on the property are a gardeners dream but also serve to cross pollinate the vineyards ~
Although the office is located in Castellina in Chianti, the property’s 20 hectares of vineyards are split evenly between Castellina and Panzano. Through constant renewal, the team carefully manicure the vineyards which are approaching 50 years of age. The two parcels are owned by Thomas and Monika Bar; Swiss transplants that now have deep Tuscan roots.
When I last visited Gagliole, they were in the process of finalizing their new cellar located on the Valletta estate in Panzano. The new cellar is almost entirely underground and retains a low natural profile. Cooling of the cellar is completely natural and as a result, only tile and terracotta were used in the project. Valletta is also home to the new reception center.
~ Atop the hill that is the Pecchia vineyard looking down into the Conca d’Oro ~
Pecchia is a flagship wine from a single vineyard. It is 100% Sangiovese from Panzano and is Gagliole’s highest vineyard. It was so windy the day we climbed to the apex of the hill that it was actually difficult to walk. But that fresh air is great for disease prevention. Therefore, even in wetter years, Pecchia produces well.
~ Another view of Pecchia which is also planted with flowers and olive trees to encourage cross pollination ~
The 2015 Gagliole Pecchia is 100% Sangiovese. Upon first taste, the wine was very tight and given a bit of sediment, I decided to decant. It sat for the better part of 90 minutes while I finished dinner and played with what I had in my glass.
The wine is a deep garnet color in the decanter and glass. On the nose, this is fresh and aromatic, even as it approaches its 10th birthday. Flowers, savory herbs and black cherry fill the glass. In the mouth, this is still a massive wine but displays a deft balance. Mushroom, truffle, leather, wild cherry, and sapid herbs are amazing in contrast. It’s hard to find fault here. This is truly the Panzano terroir in a glass. Sadly, this was my last bottle, but I look forward to visiting them on the 2025 Rustic Tuscany Tour. That should afford the chance to buy the 2019, which is yet to be released. 97 points. Find this wine.
~ This is a benchmark vintage for Pecchia ~
Stay warm. Stay safe. Drink well and enjoy the vortex!
Salute!
