For a number of years, Regional Wines has championed
the wines from Cantine Leonardo da Vinci, the co-operative established in 1961
by the owners of 30 farms, which has now grown to be one of the most noteworthy
value producers in Tuscany. Named after and paying homage to one of the
world’s great geniuses and inventors, the co-operative, now with 160 members operates
with a spirit of innovation and modern thinking. With over 500 ha of vines from vineyards in situated mainly in the Montalbano
hills, in the boroughs of Vinci, Cerreto Guidi, Capraia e Limite, Gambassi
Terme, and Montespertoli, the plantings are based on Sangiovese with some
Merlot, Syrah, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Chardonnay. The diversity of sites provides fruit of
varied expression and enables outstanding blending options. This has stood the co-operative exceptionally
well and the ‘super-Tuscan’ labels of ‘San Zio’ and ‘S.to Ippolito’ have been
fascinating and more importantly, great drinking. However, what Cantine Leonardo do best is
Chianti. We offer two Tuscan treats that
demonstrate the brilliant work of the co-operative. The wines are incredibly good value too.
Da Vinci Chianti 2008
Drought conditions
threatened the quality of the 2008 vintage in Tuscany, but rain in September relieved the
potential for stressed vines and put ripening back on track. The late ripening varieties of Sangiovese and
Cabernet Sauvignon were the most successful in what has turned out to be a high
quality harvest. And this shows in this
little cracker of a great value Chianti, priced at only $16.85 a bottle. Made from 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and the
rest other red varieties, the vines 15-20 years old,grown in the Vinci and
Cerreto Guidi hills, this was stainless steel fermented at 28°C to retain
vibrant fruitiness, reaching 13.0% alc..
A small portion of the wine was aged in new and seasoned oak casks for 6
months. Youthful in appearance with a
full, deep, purple black red colour, this had a beautifully perfumed and
aromatic nose with black cherry fruits complexed by spice elements. Full-flavoured, but in actuality medium-light
weighted, this has fresh, lively cherry and pepper notes, with a touch of oak
lift. The palate has balanced tannins
and proportions, and will be a great little fruit-driven red with antipasto,
all pasta and most red meat dishes over the next 3-4 years. Awarded a gold medal at the 2010 Liquorland
IWC judged earlier this year.
Leonardo Chianti Riserva 2006
Almost impenetrable black red in colour, this has an intense and very fine
bouquet of archetype dark cherries with a hint of herb and leather, exuding
lovely freshness. The palate is finely
constructed with restrained, ripe flavours of savoury, black fruits, chocolate
earth and spices, lifted by a touch of oak. The tannins are firm, but provide a background
grip, resulting in wonderful balance.
The vitality of the wine from the fresh acidity will enable cellaring
for 7-9 years, and will be an excellent match with roasted and grilled cuts of
good red meats, game in particular and truffled dishes! The wine is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5%
other red varietals, from the Vinci hills, fermented to 12.5% alc, spending
12-14 days on skins for extraction. The
wine spent 10 months in French oak barriques.
It is the product of an excellent vintage, and it is acknowledged the
best 2006 Tuscan reds, which are intense and concentrated, such as this wine,
will be destined for a good life. At
$22.85 a bottle, this is a brilliant buy and a match for other Chianti wines nearly
twice the price.