Two Tuscan Producers, Reviewed: Fattoria Viticcio & Principe Corsini

We’re off to Tuscany this weekend, with an array of wines from two different producers, Principe Corsini and Viticcio

Principe Corsini, produces wines under two labels: Villa Le Corti, located in San Casciano Val di Pesa (Chianti Classico); and Tenuta Marsiliana in Maremma. 

Villa Le Corti is a large estate, more than 600 acres with about 120 planted to Sangiovese and some 180 acres planted to olive trees to produce Chianti Classico DOP olive oil. Tenuta Marsiliana is focused on producing Super Tuscan style wines from Maremma vineyards, which are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Viticcio is located in Greve, in Chianti, and has been producing wine since 1964. Starting off with Chianit Classico, the estate now comprises about 300 acres spread among the hills of Chianti Classico, Maremma and Bolgheri.

The 2014 Tuscan reds I’ve tasted don’t have that dense, punchy quality of long-aging vintages, but they do have plenty of acidity, vibrant fruit, and also some structured tannins. They seem ready to drink young, which is a pleasure while the 2012s and the 2013s sleep for much longer.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2016 Fattoria Viticcio Vermentino Greppico - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

$12

Light gold color. Fresh and floral aromatics with white peaches, honey, orange blossom. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity, flavors of salted lime, white peach, some notes of candle wax and honeycomb. Brisk but flavorful, a solid aperitif or summer salad kind of wine. (86 points)

2011 Fattoria Viticcio Monile Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

$46

Deep ruby/light purple color. Nose shows red and black currants with lots of incense sticks, violets, black tea, spearmint and chewing tobacco. Full-bodied, moderate acidity, fleshy but structured tannins. Tangy black currants and plum skins, rich texture to the fruit but a suave feel. Complex elements of charcoal, graphite, lots of tobacco and menthol, deep iron and earthy notes. Plenty of time ahead, or a good decant advised if drinking now. (90 points)

2015 Fattoria Viticcio Morellino di Scansano - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Morellino di Scansano

$12

Light purple/deep ruby color. Smells of warm clay, roasted chestnut and tobacco barn on top of red and black plum compote. Full and really saucy with medium-low acidity and dry, grainy tannins. Roasted herbs, sun-scorched earth, a really roasted aesthetic, mixing with dark plums and black cherries. Lots of dusty, earthy, charcoal notes. Could definitely use a few years to unwind. Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. (87 points)

2014 Fattoria Viticcio Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

$13

Light purple color. Plum, black cherry aromas with roasted herbs and tobacco. Medium-bodied, balanced across the board with dusty tannins, medium acidity, tart red currants and berry compote. Notes of bay leaf, tobacco barn, scorched earth, some violets. Ready to drink but could hold for a few years. (88 points)

2013 Fattoria Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

$19

Deep purple color. Nose shows tart black currants, blackberries, deep earth, gravel, iron, coffee, lovely stuff. Great concentration but lovely freshness, this is a powerful but quite elegant wine showing beautiful black fruit (currants and black cherries) along with lots of smashed rocks, iron, espresso, roasted herbs and tobacco. Notes of sweet violets and vanilla are woven in well. Shows great structure for the cellar, but can be appreciated now, especially with a good decant. (91 points)

2013 Fattoria Viticcio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Prunaio - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

$29

Deep purple color. Complex aromatic display of red and black currants, dusty earth, violets cedar, coffee. Bold structure with grippy tannins and moderating acidity. Plum cake, black currant, oozing blackberries, the fruit is rich but tangy and doused in violets, sweet pipe tobacco, vanilla, espresso, potting soil. Deep and concentrated but so pretty, it really opens up with a few hours and gets suave and velvety. A very long life ahead. (93 points)

2014 Principe Corsini Costa Toscana Birillo - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Costa Toscana Rosso

$18

Deep ruby/light purple color. Aromas of spicy red currants and blackberry jam mixed with coffee, sweet violets and cola. Medium+ body, smooth tannins, moderating acidity. Black cherries and roasted plums blend well with coffee, violets, dark earth and cola notes. Fun stuff for sure, seems for more near-term drinking. From sandy/silty, sea level soils, this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend sees 12 months in old oak. (86 points)

2014 Principe Corsini Le Corti Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

$21

Deep ruby color. The nose shows tart red currants, black cherries, loaded with tobacco, eucalyptus, sage, coffee, earth and violets – lovely stuff. Dusty/moderately grippy tannins, but bright acidity, lots of tangy red currants and juicy black cherries. Flavors of dried rose and violet petals, a lot of charcoal, incense sticks, dusty earth, a lingering graphite and mineral component. Vibrant and delicious now but lots of aging potential as well. (90 points)

2014 Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Cortevecchia Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

$38

Vibrant ruby color. Waves of fruit on the nose (red currant, strawberry, black cherry and plum) along with rosemary, eucalyptus, tobacco and rich earth. Structured tannins combine nicely with vibrant acidity. Dark plums, red and black currants, laced with smoky herbs, spices, violets, potting soil. Bold in flavor, solid in structure, but fresh and lively, too – I love this wine, but will likely love it more in a few years. (91 points)

2014 Principe Corsini Chianti Classico Don Tommaso Gran Selezione - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

$48

Deep ruby/light purple color. Waves of vibrant but rich red and black currant fruit, laced with spicy tobacco, herbs, graphite, rose petals, earth, roasted coffee. Full but suave with moderate tannins and tart, crisp acidity. Gorgeous, silky but tart red and black currants and cherries, mixed with complex sage, oregano, tilled soil, tobacco, well-integrated coffee and cedar elements. That 2014 approachability but this has the structure to improve. Aged 18 months in 70% new French oak. (92 points)

2012 Principe Corsini Tenuta Marsiliana Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

$48

Rich ruby color. Nose shows plush currants, roasted plums, tangy black cherries, notes of eucalyptus, sage, tobacco, black pepper. Full-bodied on the palate with vibrant acidity, plush but so much backbone. Tart black currants, plum skins, black cherries, rich in iron, earth and charcoal, dusted with sage, violets, anise and clove. Lots of years ahead of this, but it’s beautiful. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged 15 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle before release. (92 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Welcoming Zachy's to DC with an Epic Tuscany Tasting

Zachy’s (the Scarsdale, New York-based fine wine purveyor and auction house) has opened up shop in Washington, DC, and I am so stoked.

The new location is a massive facility located on V Street NE, and it will offer wine storage service in a huge, cold warehouse. You’ll be able to purchase wine at the facility, and through email offers. There’s a great tasting room that will be used for all sorts of trade tastings, wine classes, and auction parties.

A good buddy of mine, Tim O’Rourke, is working on this project, and there really is no better person for the job. All the details and events are still very much coming together, but the future looks bright for this venture. And it’s a huge win for DC, Maryland, Virginia-area wine-lovers such as myself.

I recently stopped by to check out the facility and taste through a serious lineup of Tuscan wines. Even though they had been open for only two days, things were pristine. The service was on point and, most importantly, the wines were stunning.

Here are my notes on some killer Tuscan wines.

2016 Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti) Maremma Toscana Poggio Argentato - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana
$25
Floral, peach nose. Tangy and spicy with flowers and peaches and spicy floral tones. Fun, dry, delicious. A Gewurz-based blend. (88 points)

2016 Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti) Maremma Toscana RosaMati - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana
$23
Super floral aromatics. Brisk, spicy, tart, watermelon plumpness as well, slightly earthy. An all Syrah rose. (87 points)

2012 Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) Rosato Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$80
Interesting copper orange color. Red apples, spiced herbal tea nose. Interesting stuff, tangy, chalky, some honeyed and slight nut characteristics but still vibrant fruit. Not often do I find an aged rose I really like to drink, but this is one. The “current” release and it rocks. (90 points)

2015 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG$20
Red fruits and spice on the nose. Structured quite well with smooth, dry tannins and fresh acid. Juicy and tangy red fruit with tar, anise, pepper notes. Really solid for the price, shows what quality 2015 offers even in the entry-level. (89 points)

2013 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG
$60
Lots of cigar smoked and leather on the nose with earthy black cherries. Rich tannins, dry but fresh acidity, which I love, balanced nicely with plum and black cherries, notes of spiced tea and pepper. Lovely. (91 points)

2013 Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$90
Lots of roses, eucalyptus, spiced tea, rich earth, tart black cherries and plums. Rich texture but velvety, bright acidity frames it so well, lots of delicious black cherry fruit, laced with herbs and spices. Young but very, very good. (92 points)

2015 Tenuta San Guido Le Difese - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$35
Plums, leather, tobacco, herbs on the nose. Accessible on the palate but shows some good structured tannins, bright acidity, plums and cherries and tobacco and spices, all wrapped up quite nicely. (89 points)

2004 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
$160
Gorgeous aromatics, cedar, silky red and black fruit, roses, violets. Still so young with firm tannins but some moderating acidity. Black cherries and tart blueberries mix well with tar, charcoal and cigar smoke. Lovely stuff with many more years ahead. (93 points) 

2010 E. Fuligni (Cottimelli) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
$190
Amazing nose of tangy red fruits, rose petals, rhubarb, pepper, soy. Velvety but structured, zesty but rich, waves of red and hints of black fruit along with cigar shop, incense sticks, roses, tilled soil. The mouthfeel on this is just so amazing, despite the complexity of flavors and total deliciousness, the elegance and balance of this wine makes it next level excellent. (95 points)

2015 Monastero Campanaio - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$55
Jammier approach with plums and raspberry jam, cocoa and violets. Silky, velvety, but some surprisingly fresh acidity. Sweet red fruits and violets and coffee. Fun, approachable stuff. 50/50 Cab/Merlot. (89 points)

2015 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$55
Bright but some saucy fruit on the nose, too, with plums and cola. Velvety, violets, cedar, plump and a bit chewy but balanced with freshness. Cabernet and Merlot. (88 points)

2015 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$35
Plummy, rich, baked black fruit on the nose. Really saucy on the palate with silky tannins, medium-low acidity, chunky black fruits, some violets, cola and cedar. Well-made, tastes so polished, I could see this being a big hit. (88 points)

2014 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia
$230
Wow, this is drinking really well. Considering the vintage, I wasn’t expecting anything classic, but this is a fresher, more vibrant, early-drinking version, but still of very high quality. Bright floral and red berry tones on the nose. Silky, tangy, vibrant palate with bright red currants and cherries, lots of pepper and spices and sage. Not lean, but quite elegant, and it goes down easily. (93 points)

2013 Marchesi Mazzei “Philip” - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$45
Aromas of tangy red berries. Velvety, rich but vibrant palate with sweet floral, coffee, earth and vanilla notes to accent the black cherry and plum skins. (90 points)

2013 Marchesi Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$140
Lifted aromatics of bright red fruits and roses, very bright. High-toned, tangy, zesty even, with brisk red fruits but so delicious, laced with dusty earth, rhubarb, coffee. So good now, so good on the table, but this will also age nicely for at least a decade. Merlot and Sangiovese. (91 points) 

2013 Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti) Maremma Toscana Saffredi - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana
$110
Christ, this wine blew me away! I had never heard of this producer before, but I’m listening now. Gorgeous waves of red fruits on the nose along with tobacco, leather, incense. Structured so well but vibrant and refreshing, the mouthfeel is so pure and focused. Cherries and velvety plums with lots of leather, sage, tobacco, mint, rhubarb – so much to unpack for many years in the cellar. (96 points)

In a lineup of gems, the Geppetti Safredi was incredible.

2013 Antinori Solaia Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$300
A bit dense but a lot to unpack aromatically: plum cake, violets, black cherry, leather, coffee, dark chocolate shavings. Rich, saucy and velvety at the same time but not too heavy, it shows freshness, too. Sweet plums and cherries laced with violets, cocoa, loamy earth, cedar, warm clay – wow. Delicious now but will do wonders over the next 10-15. (94 points)

2015 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
$105
Lots of aromatics: roses, violets, plums, rich black cherries, smoke. Chewy and bold but balanced, shows plums and black currants with cola, coffee, cocoa, anise, cedar – rich in flavor but nuanced and suave as well. Obviously a long time ahead. (93 points)

Three 2010 Reds from Wine Chateau

I just finished tasting through three awesome reds from Wine Chateau, a New Jersey-based wine seller. If three’s a crowd, I’m happy to hang with these three anytime. The wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted. They're all from 2010 and would pair well with a cold February evening. And they could all improve from a few years sideways.

2010 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($32)

Bright and rich purple in color. Aromas of sweet black cherries, violets, lavender, some tree bark and black olive. Complex aromatically but it clearly needs time to develop. Firm, grippy tannins are met with tangy acid in this full-bodied wine. Rich but also balanced. Love the dusty black cherry and currant fruit, laced with pepper, clove and olive tapenade flavors. Bold and age-worthy, but showing a lot of personality right out of the bottle. Worth every penny of its $32 price tag. (90 points)

2010 Tenuta Sette Ponti Poggio Al Lupo Maremma - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT ($45)

Dark ruby color. Rich aromas of berry compote (raspberries and blackberries), floral and musky incense, sweet roses, cedar and pipe tobacco. Wow, what a nose. Firm tannins, juicy acid, rich texture. Lovely currant, blackberry and strawberry fruit, equally matched by a combination of olive, honey-glazed meat, barbecue sauce and chestnut. Notes of cedar, oregano and tobacco on the finish. Beautiful stuff, elegant but full, with great purity. I wouldn’t think twice of laying this down for 5-8 years. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Petite Verdot and Alicante, aged 18 months in 100% new French oak. (92 points)

2010 Guarachi Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley ($60)

Bold magenta-purple color in the glass. Explosive aromatics of black cherries and black currants, laced with sweet red flowers, cedar, mocha and a note of eucalyptus. Solid tannic grip with a rich and dense mouthfeel, balanced a bit by moderate acid. Tons of juicy fruit: blackberries and currant fruit, a hint of blueberry. Rich cedar and cigar box elements, along with tobacco leaf and clay soil. Bold, bombastic but very pretty and well-made. Silky finish with notes of cola and mocha. Could do well with a few years in the cellar. (91 points)

Tasting Through a Grab Bag of Italian Wines

This week, I’m looking to Italy. Since my last post on Italy, I’ve tasted some fun and tasty wines, all of which came in at less than $30. These wines were received as trade samples and tasted blind, unless otherwise noted.

2006 Ferrari Perlé - Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trentino, Trento

SRP: $35
Tasted sighted. Could’ve fooled me for Champagne on the nose. Lots of doughy, yeasty, lemon-lime notes and apple peel. Tangy acid, fine bubbles, a good amount of creaminess on the palate. The key lime is mixed in with a pleasantly bitter crab apple note. Toasted bread and mineral accents linger on the finish. A solid sparkling Chardonnay for $35. (88 points)

2012 Folonari Pinot Grigio Venezie IGT - Italy, Venezie IGT
SRP: $8
Medium yellow color. Some golden apple and honey on the nose, but also some brighter floral and citrus components. Medium acid, with yellow and green apple, and there are some floral notes, but overall it’s a bit bland. Short finish. (79 points)

2012 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi “Tenuta dell’ Ammiraglia” Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
SRP: $18
A light straw color. The first thing that comes to mind upon sniffing this is banana peel, like the inside of a perfectly ripe banana. There’s also some lemon zest and seashell. On the palate, this wine is plump and generously textured, with green melon, pineapple and banana fruit. Medium acid keeps it reigned in. A white tea and honey note rounds out the fruit, and there’s a shot of minerals and crushed rock flavors. Quite complex. Rich, but not too much, and the flavors are clean and fresh throughout. A delicious Vermentino. (90 points)

2012 Folonari Chianti - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti
SRP: $8
Juicy, dark fruit on the nose, blackberries, candied cherries, as well as some earth and tobacco. Creamy texture forms from the fine tannins, fresh fruit and moderate acid. The plums and blackberries taste pure and juicy, and they’re backed up with notes of cracked pepper and some tobacco and toast. Surprisingly pleasant for the price. (86 points)

2011 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi “Terre More dell’ Ammiraglia” Maremma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma Toscana IGT
SRP: $14
Aromas of plum sauce, rich earth, allspice, currant jam, roasted coffee. Juicy red plums and black cherries on the palate, with an overall jammy profile. Medium acid and firm tannins provide structure. Pepper and floral tones mix in with toasted oak, roasted coffee, cedar and caramel. Very rich and bombastic, perhaps not the most food-friendly Italian red blend, but very tasty. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah. (87 points)

2010 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Morellino di Scansano “Riserva Pietraregia dell’ Ammiraglia” - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Morellino di Scansano
SRP: $23
A bit restrained on the nose, but it opens up to show violets, black currant, vanilla and rich coffee. On the palate, the tannins have grip but also a round feel. Significant tartness, with flavors of black cherry, currants and snappy plums. Mocha, hazelnut and vanilla flesh the wine out. I also get a light sense of mineral and graphite on this wine. Put together well, and quite delicious, this wine has quite a few years of refinement ahead of it. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo and 10% Syrah. I dig this, especially at the price. (89 points)

2012 Allegrini Valpolicella - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella
SRP: $15
Red and black cherries, some raisin and smoke note on the nose. Light tannins, soft acid, this wine takes the road of simple, easy-drinking pleasure. Flavors of black cherry and currant, snappy, but the fruit also has some coffee and earthy aspects. A juicy blend of 65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. (85 points)

2009 Allegrini “Palazzo della Torre” Veronese IGT - Italy, Veneto, Veronese IGT
SRP: $20
A kicking mix of sour and dark cherries on the nose, along with some dusty earth, tobacco and roasted coffee. Firm tannins for structure, and the acid keeps it clean. The sour cherry and red plum and currant fruit is tangy and delicious, backed up by roasted herbs, violets and rich coffee. Rich and velvety, but the focus and zip to this wine is impressive. I bet it will have even more to show soon. 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. (90 points)

2009 Allegrini “La Grola” Veronese IGT - Italy, Veneto, Veronese IGT
SRP: $28
Bright cherry color. The cherry and plum fruit smells rich but fresh, along with some sweet herbs, dried flowers. Loving the aromas here, and it opens up more with time. The tangy acid plays off the rigid tannins. Tastes like sour cherries mixed with some ripe blackberry, and there’s a nice mix of spice, cedar, coffee and a flavor that reminds me of a smoky Islay Scotch. Dense and earthy, this will open up more over the next few years. 80% Corvina and 20% Syrah. (90 points) 

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.