Querciabella – “Beautiful Oak” – was founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni and today is run by his determined and passionate son Sebastiano. Since 1988 the estate has been organically farming their vineyards throughout Tuscany – a feat that preceded many of the recent decisions by dozens of other wineries. Since 2000, the estate is biodynamic and vegan – using no animal based fertilizers in their grape growing.
With 74 hectares (183 acres) of prime Chianti Classicovineyards located in the communes of Greve, Panzano, Radda and Gaiole in addition to 32 hectares (79 acres) in Maremma on Tuscany’s unspoiled Etruscan coast, Querciabella’s holdings represent the largest biodynamically farmed vineyards in Italy.
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| ~ Vineyards at Querciabella ~ |
Today we’re reviewing the essence of that estate in Maremma – Mongrana, a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The sights and smells of Maremma are alive in this wine. There’s a sense of wild essence and untamed brush underpinning this delicious red. In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby that fades to a slightly lighter brick color at the rim. Very indicative of Sangiovese, the other grapes in the blend don’t appear to be impacting the color much.
On the nose, the wine is redolent of flowers, mint, pine brush, crushed cherry and tobacco. I love how it smells. It reminds me of a Tuscan field – with all manner of plants growing – the wind blowing their aromas about……it’s a picture.
On the palate the wine is smooth and very well balanced with fresh acidity and lots of ripe fruit flavors; the vintage character clearly leaving it’s mark on the finished wine. Medium to full bodied, the flavors follow the aromas with pure precision. There is no elevage in oak for this wine. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel and cement vats.
Excellent value at $22 and worth stocking up on. 90 points.
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| ~ Mongrana is 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet ~ |
Salute!
December 7, 2015
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