2014 Fattoria di Sammontana, Chianti DOCG

Region: Colli Fiorentini > Tuscany > Italy 
Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Wine and grapes are certified organic; moving towards biodynamics; mix of marl (limestone clay) and alluvial soils; unfiltered/unfined; aged in concrete tanks; low added SO2

Tuscany, and more specifically Chianti, isn’t somewhere I associate with diversity or natural winemaking. These days its full of large producers and tourists, and is generally not the place to find unique grape varieties, experimental winemakers, or sadly, refreshing, low-alcohol, low-intervention wines. Luckily, there are a few fantastic exceptions, like this traditionally-made and attractively rustic Chianti from the Colli Fiorentini from an estate that dates back to 1867, when Polish nobleman, Michele Dzieduszycki bought the property and it’s 12th century Romanesque church (once owned by the Medici family). Michele’s grandson, Massimo, developed the estate into an agricultural property, more olive trees than vines, with a focus on quality and organic farming from the start. This is a fresh, earthy, crunchy Chianti full of cherries and herbal spiciness, designed to drink now, and often, with pasta or pizza.