Organic Super Tuscan wine featured in James Suckling’s annual “Great Wines of Italy” report

As seen in Forbes: “This 14.5% alcohol Tuscan Sangiovese wine includes smoothly integrated aromas of blackberries and smoke, fresh raspberries, ripe plumbs and star anise. In the mouth the flavors, tannins and acidity are well integrated with ample tastes of red fruit and even mild cola on the length.” – Tom Mullen, Forbes

This signature Gagliole wine is featured in the “Great Wines of Italy” report, written by renowned wine expert James Suckling. It is produced in the Super Tuscan style, combining the freshness of Sangiovese with the power of Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are grown in the very heart of the Chianti Classico mountains, in the village of Castellina, before moving to Gagliole’s cellar in neighbouring Panzano. The vineyard is certified organic and sustainable, generating most of its electricity from solar panels. Gagliole’s cellar is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, including automatically rotating small oak barrels. These ensure the liquid mixes with the skins during fermentation, allowing more extraction of colour and flavour.

Winemaking

This wine is made from the best hand-picked Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. They’re fermented as whole bunches; a process where alcohol starts to develop within the berries, resulting in more complex aromas. To avoid overpowering the fruity flavour, contact with oak is carefully managed. Just 20% of the wine is fermented in small new oak barriques, and the rest is placed in large second-use oak barrels. After that, the wine is left to mature in oak for 18 months where it picks up notes of coconut, vanilla and spice. It’s given a final six months of maturation in bottle, at a controlled temperature – this helps the flavours of the wine to integrate, resulting in a harmonious taste.

The winemaker reckons that this organic Super Tuscan will be at its best 4-6 years after the harvest, with the potential to continue developing in a private cellar for a long time.

Tasting notes

Deep ruby colour. Captivating and powerful aromas of fresh strawberry, redcurrant, black plum, mint and herbs, layered with savoury coconut, vanilla, chocolate and dried fruits. On the palate, it is dry, with refined velvety tannins and a full body. Each sip of this wine bursts with deep, pronounced flavours of red and black fruits, chocolate and herbs, leading to a long persistent finish.

Ageing potential

15 years

Awards

James Suckling – 95 points (2018 vintage) | Falstaff Magazin – 95 points (2018 vintage) | Antonio Galloni, Vinous – 94 points (2018 vintage) | Bibenda – 4 grappoli (2018 vintage)

“Tangy and fresh with a berry, cherry and lemon character. Some smoke and tea. Medium to full body with fine tannins. A blend of 98% sangiovese and 2% cabernet sauvignon.” – James Suckling