~ The Cypress lined drive that leads to the villa on the Gagliole Estate ~
Digging through the ancient archives of Siena, one will find mention of the Gagliole estate as early as 994 AD, the time when King Berengarius bequeathed the estate to his wife. Miraculously, the passing of centuries left this estate remarkably untouched. One aspect of this unaffected passing of time can be seen in the terraced vineyards and vine rows which are dotted randomly with olive trees; a clear method and belief in cross pollination agriculture common in the Middle Ages. Today, the estate is owned by Monika and Thomas Bar who met in Tuscany and decided to return from their native Switzerland in order to pursue their passion for wine in the place where they first met.
Although the Gagliole Estate is located in Castellina in Chianti, the property’s vineyard holdings are split evenly between Castellina (10 hectares) and Panzano (also 10 hectares). Through constant renewal and dedication to detail, the Bars carefully manicure their vineyards which are now between 2 and 40 years of age.
~ Sangiovese before harvest at Gagliole in 2916. In the center of this image, near the villa, you can see a few random olive trees, reflective of the cross pollination technique discussed above ~
Today we’re focusing on one of the newest releases from the estate. The 2015 Gagliole Chianti Classico Rubiolo is sourced mostly from vineyards in Castellina in Chianti. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, the wine is vinified in stainless steel and then 70% of the wine is refined in oak while the remainder remains in steel. The result is a fresh, vibrant wine. The 2015 is a medium bright ruby in the glass with violet reflections. Interesting aromas lean toward the more savory side of Sangiovese with red fruits, sage, turned earth and menthol notes comprising the aromas. Lively and fresh on the palate, Rubiolo sports a medium bodied core of berry fruit accented with soft spice notes, sage and tobacco flavors. Fairly straightforward, this isn’t overly complex but a nice foil for simpler dishes. We enjoyed it with pork braciole slowly simmered in a pork and San Marzano ragu. 88 points and a fair value around $15. Find this wine.
~ After the refinement period is complete, the wine is bottled and aged a further 3-6 months before release. The 2015 is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot ~
Stay tuned for more reviews of newly released 2015 and 2016 Chianti Classico wines coming in recent weeks.
Salute!
