2023 Le Chiuse Rosso di Montalcino

Grape
Sangiovese
Its Origins
After many years of trying, we have managed to obtain a small allocation of this wine for the first time. Being made only made in small quantities and distributed very little outside of Italy, Le Chiuse has garnered a cult following over the past decades. Located on the northern slopes of Montalcino’s hill, this small gem of an estate has a storied lineage. Owned by the Biondi Santi family since the late 18th century, Le Chiuse’s oldest grapes were used to make the legendary Biondi Santi Riservas. When Tancredi Biondi Santi passed away in 1970, his youngest daughter, Fiorella, inherited the farm, which she leased to her brother, Franco, until her death in 1986. Franco Biondi-Santi believed Le Chiuse’s vineyards were the finest in the appellation, which is why he continued to make the famed Biondi-Santi Riservas with Le Chiuse’s grapes until 1990, when the estate was taken over by his niece, Simonetta Valiani. She runs the estate today with her husband, Nicolò Magnelli, and their son, Lorenzo. Le Chiuse is very small, only 7ha. Their organic vineyards are in the heart of the historical growing zone, situated north of the hilltop town in an area known for long-lived wines that boast complexity, intensity and elegance. Vineyards sit 984 feet above sea level, where altitude and north/northwest exposures ensure ideal grape ripening and fresh acidity. Soils are of marine origin and contain flaky schist known as galestro, clay and marl that yield rich yet graceful wines with fragrance and depth. The estate has been certified organic since 2005, one of the first in the denomination. Most of its Sangiovese vines are the BBS11 clone chosen at the Biondi Santi Greppo estate and in Le Chiuse’s vineyards in the 1970s. Lorenzo is in charge of winemaking. To produce classic, terroir-driven Brunello, he ferments in stainless steel and concrete with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place in roughly 660-gallon casks made of 90% Slavonian oak and 10% Allier.
What The Critics Say
93/100 Kerin O Keefe (2022 Vintage)
“Made with certified organic fruit, the juicy and delicious 2022 Rosso di Montalcino from Le Chiuse is a textbook Rosso. It opens with aromas of ripe dark berry, spice and blue flower while the succulent palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and ground clove. Lithe polished tannins and tangy acidity keep it balanced, bright and accessible. Drink through 2027.”
93/100 WinesCritic.com, Raffaele Vecchione (2019 vintage)
"Extremely floral, it shows mixed notes of lavender, hibiscus, passionflower, geraniums, gardenias, lime and magnolia. The delicate fruit presents itself to the reader in shades of red plums and under-ripe strawberries. Full body, perfectly polymerized and integrated tannins and a finish with important persistence."
92/100 RobertParker.com, Monica Larner
"Made with certified organic fruit, the Le Chiuse 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is a charming Sangiovese that is frank and transparent but manages plenty of basic fruit elegance as well. The bouquet doles out cherry, grilled watermelon and navel orange. It's all very fresh and pretty in a most genuine and simple manner. The 2022 vintage shows special intensity. Production is 13,300 bottles."
Variety | Sangiovese |
---|---|
Region | Tuscany |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Maturity | 2025 - 2032 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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