2018 Cosimo Maria Masini Chianti DOCG

Region: San Miniato < Tuscany < Italy

Grapes: Sangiovese + a smattering of other grapes growing in the field 

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming (Demeter) with regenerative practices; granite soil; fermentation in concrete tanks for 10 days with ML carried out naturally in cement and steel, then rests in concrete and stainless steel for 6 months before. being bottled, unfined/unfiltered, with 35ppm SO2; 13.5% ABV

Winemaker: Francesco De Filippis

After acquiring this historic property in the Tuscan province of Pisa 16 years ago, the Masini family dove directly into biodynamic farming. Grapes grow alongside wheat, veggies, ducks, chickens and olives among other things, as they believe this integrated farming and the strong ecosystem it creates is critical to the health of the vines. Hand-harvested grapes, no added chemicals except a tiny amount of SO2 at bottling, aging in large wooden vats – the production is seriously old-school.

These are some of the most honest and clean natural wines in Tuscany, not to mention delicious.  This Chianti DOCG (not Classico but Chianti Colli Pisane DOCG) is bright and fresh, with classic Sangiovese notes of cherry, plum and something more savory, like herbs and tomato leaf.  An excellent everyday drinking and food wine, and one that works just as well to sip while preparing dinner as it does alongside the meal.