2012 Tenuta di Valgiano Palistorti

Region: Colline Lucchesi < Tuscany < Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming; limestone and sandstone soils; unfined/unfiltered.
Winemaker: Moreno Petrini and Laura di Collobiano

Since the 1990s, this husband-and-wife team, along with winemaker/viticulturists Saverio Petrilli, have been reviving this stunning 16trh century Tuscan estate. High in the foothills of Monte Barbona overlooking Lucca, surrounded by the Apennines and the Mediterranean Sea, Valgiano is far from the typical Under-The-Tuscan-Sun estates in many respects. First, the climate – unpredictable, and extremely variable, with a combo of cool sea breezes, hot summer sun and cool mountain nights. Then, there is the self-sufficiency and biodiversity (they also grow olives and raise Cinta Senese pigs to make excellent olive oil and salami). They were certified organic in 1997 and converted to biodynamics in 2001 – way early for Tuscany. And finally, the wines. Edgy and rustic, yet approachable and highly drinkable, with pure black cherry, spice and crushed herbs. And not just in a with-a-big-steak kinda way. It’s old-school and typically Tuscan in the very best way.