Falchini Chianti Colli Senesi, Tuscany

San Gimignano is one of the most enchanting cities in Tuscany. It is called the "City of the Beautiful Towers". One of the most respected winemakers, in particular because of the world class quality of his wines, is Riccardo Falchini. The estates under Riccardo's ownership produce the region's finest Vernaccia di San Gimignano wines as well as top Chianti Colli Senesi and gold medal Sangiovese and Cabernet "Super Tuscans". The first vineyard was planted in 1968 and today Falchini can boast the finest and most modern equipment and techniques in the area. He is in the acknowledged forefront of technological experience and experimentation. His vineyards are composed of some of the most favorable soil conditions in the area. Riccardo's consulting enologist and good friend is Giacomo Tachis, creator of Tignanello, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Solaia, and other great Italian wines. Falchini is a member of the "Titolati" (the word means "The Selected"), an association of enlightened producers that reinforce the highest of standards that must be adhered to in the identified vineyards and the demanding norms of vinification that will result in the optimum achievement in the wine offered. Falchini has won innumerable awards and commendations for his wines. He has been joined in the management of the firm by his sons, Michael and Christopher.

Vinsanto del Chianti DOC "Podere" 2001 Following the Tuscan tradition for producing Vinsanto, this natural dry dessert wine comes from the late harvest of selected Malvasia (50%) and Trebbiano (50%) grapes from the Podere Casale I vineyard. They are hand harvested and slowly dehydrated naturally in a Vinsantaia. The resulting must is then matured in different types of oak and cherry barrels where it is left to age for at least four years. Only the best barrels are selected for blending before bottling, to ensure the high quality of this Vinsanto. This wine has a golden intense colour with amber tones. The nose is expansive and penetrating with lively notes of dried fruit, vanilla, honey and spices. Warm, sweet and dry; harmonious, and with excellent persistency. It can be served cold as an excellent aperitif, at room temperature it can be served with the typical Tuscan biscotti with almonds, or with honey and jams and very aged cheeses. It is also excellent served in balloon glasses as a wine for relaxing and contemplating.

Chianti Colli Senesi "Titolato Colombaia" 2006 An estate bottled single vineyard blend of 85% Sangiovese, with 15% Canaiolo and other indigenous red grapes. It is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and then aged for 3-4 months in oak barrels. It is typically late released in order to achieve its characteristic smoothness. The 2006 shows its round, soft, charming character with delicate, mildly spicy nuances. Its weight and charming nature make it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of Italian dishes - very good value. Good with heavy antipasto and pasta sauces, roasted poultry and meat, and most cheeses. "Falchini's 2006 Chianti Colli Senesi is a fairly simple, straightforward wine. Medium in body, it shows pleasant dark fruit, with notes of sweet herbs and tobacco that linger on the finish. It is a well-priced wine to enjoy over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010." 86 points, Wine Advocate, June 2008

Falchini Paretaio 2004 IGT After a careful selection of Sangiovese grapes and properly use of barrique aging, which enhances the typical characteristics of the Tuscan Sangiovese, an elegant wine is crafted with great harmony and structure, soft textured and velvety, with a balanced palate profile. It is produced from grapes of the Paretaio vineyard in San Gimignano with Sangiovese (90%) and other red Tuscan grapes (10%) selected during the harvest. After a 12 months stay in 225 litre barriques it spends 12 more months in bottle before being released. This is classic Sangiovese - animal, leather, tobacco on the nose with elegant mouthfilling cherry fruit through the palate. A late note of licorice continues through the finish. The Merlot adds a touch more roundness to the palate and deepens the cherry core. This is a classy, subtle wine, that should appeal to those who enjoy quality Chianti and Vino Nobile. "The 2004 Paretaio is 100% Sangiovese aged in French oak. The wine reveals generous dark fruit intermingled with sweet toasted oak, earthiness, tobacco, smoke and leather in a plump style of notable depth. The tannins build on the finish, but another year or two of bottle age should help this medium-bodied wine find its sense of balance and proportion. This is an especially strong vintage for this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019." 91 points, Wine Advocate, June 2008

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