~ The vineyards of Villa Cerna rise to the summit where the Villa sits surrounded by Tuscan Ilex trees ~
During the course of my writing over the past few years, I’ve mentioned what I call the “Cecchi Renaissance” a number of times. Led by the brother team of Andrea and Cesare Cecchi, the firm has made dynamic changes, exciting acquisitions and notable quality improvements over the past decade.
It began with the creation of Coevo in 2006, a contemporary Tuscan blend made only in perfect vintages; then the completion of their new winery and hospitality center at Val delle Rose in Maremma from which some of their most exciting wines are being produced; the modernization of Villa Cerna followed along with the launch of the FamigliACecchi re-branding; and recently with the acquisition of vineyards in Montalcino near Castelnuovo dell’Abate from which a new Brunello will be produced beginning in 2020; and finally the purchase of the Villa Rosa estate in Castellina, the source of an exciting new Gran Selezione. For the Cecchi brothers, the future is now. Avanti!
~ Villa Cerna was originally a Monastery ~
Heading north from Siena, the Tuscan landscape forms a vast valley that leads directly to Castellina in Chianti allowing optimal exposure to sunlight and protection from harsh winds. It forms the ideal environment for ripening grapes and together with the complex characteristics of the soil, the confluence represents what can only be termed a natural miracle. The vistas are so hauntingly beautiful that the Italians have a phrase for it: Mozza il fiato; “It takes your breath away”. It is here that Villa Cerna calls home.
The vineyards on the estate sit at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level and are composed of galestro, clay, limestone, sand and marine fossils which date to the Pliocene Era. Today, we’re discussing the newest release from the estate called Primocolle. The wine gets its name because the vines that produce the fruit rest on the “First Hill” encountered while travelling from Siena to Chianti Classico.
~ Vineyards near Villa Cerna, Castellina in Chianti ~
The 2015 Villa Cerna Primocolle Chianti Classico is a deep ruby in the glass that is nearly impenetrable. We did not decant the wine and I don’t believe that caused any issues. This is another wonderful example of the 2015 vintage. Deep notes of red plums, cherries, fresh flowers, and fresh tobacco make for an interesting array of aromas. On the palate, the wine is juicy, fresh and lively with a mouth watering sapidity to its texture. Ripe and well balanced, the crushed cherry, tobacco, fresh herb and mineral notes in this wine are a textbook example of the terroir of Castellina. Really well done and an excellent value under $15. 89 points. Find this wine.
~ The 2015 is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino. The inclusion of even small percentages of Colorino can dramatically affect the dark color of the wine ~
Salute!
