Andrea Cecchi - winemaker and quintessential Tuscan gentleman.
"In Italy, wine is still a social activity,"said Andrea Cecchi with a smile. So on a Monday afternoon in Manhattan, while most of the city toiled, I felt no guilt as I was transported to Tuscany by the authenticity, elegance, and charm of Andrea and the superb wines of the Cecchi family.
Truly a family business, Andrea and his brother Cesare represent the 4th generation of this winemaking legacy that started with their great-grandfather Luigi. Celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, Cecchi symbolizes tradition but also innovation and the brothers don't just coast on the excellent reputation of their Chianti Classico. Cecchi also makes an impressive selection of wines in other regions of Italy; including the Tuscan coastal region of Maremma.
For many of us in the USA, Chianti was the first red wine that we ever sipped -- usually at an old-fashioned red-sauce Italian-American restaurant. Produced from the Sangiovese grape, Chianti's fruity and earthy flavors make it a very approachable and food-friendly wine. But don't under-estimate it; Chianti may be familiar but it can still surprise you with its complexity and expressiveness. Cecchi is one of the most prominent and respected producers of Chianti & Chianti Classico and they are committed to crafting wines that are true reflections of the grape, terroir, and vintage.
Cecchi Valore di Famiglia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 ($59.99)
One of the most exciting developments in Chianti Classico was the introduction of Gran Selezione at the top of the quality pyramid in 2013. Cecchi recently released their debut vintage of Gran Selezione and their 2015 is the finest that I've tasted in the category. There has been some confusion in the marketplace about Gran Selezione - was it just a marketing ploy or a uniquely excellent expression of Chianti Classico? Cecchi Gran Selezione is an outstanding wine that is absolutely worthy of this prestigious designation. One of the unique qualities of Cecchi Gran Selezione is the fact that it is produced from 100% Sangiovese, although the category permits the addition of up to 20% of other grapes. The singular purity of the Sangiovese is powerful and evocative in Cecchi Gran Selezione. Velvety with finely knit tannins and vibrant but not jammy red fruit flavors, Cecchi Gran Selezione is sophisticated and sultry. Absolutely wonderful now, it has the structure and acidity needed to age with grace. A wine I could drink again and again and never tire of it.
Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia DOCG 2015 ($21)
I started this story at the top of three-tiered Chianti Classico pyramid with the exceptional, exciting, and new Gran Selezione but Cecchi has thoughtfully crafted wines at every tier and price point. The 2015 vintage of their Chianti Classico, the first level of the quality pyramid, is a great introduction to the Cecchi style. 90% Sangiovese, this bright and approachable wine is silky smooth with fresh flavors of strawberry and raspberry with flirty hints of spice.
Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia DOCG 2014 ($36)
Representing the middle tier of the three-tiered Chianti Classico pyramid, Cecchi Riserva is 90% Sangiovese and has its own style: refined and sultry with dark and ripe fruit flavors, soft tannins, and a thread of spice and herbs.
Cecchi La Mora Vermentino Maremma Toscana DOC 2017 ($18.99)
As mentioned, Cecchi makes wine beyond the Chianti Classico region and one of their most exciting ventures has been their expansion into the coastal Maremma region, considered Tuscany's wild frontier. I visited Cecchi's Maremma winery, Val delle Rose, about 2 years ago and it is a stunningly beautiful property. The name La Mora, which means horse, was inspired by the majestic dark horses and Italian cowboys that once roamed the region. Andrea said that their La Mora wines are crafted to offer "good quality at a reasonable price." Vermentino is one of my favorite Italian wines and crisp and refreshing La Mora is a charming example. Andrea said that "2017 was a great vintage" and La Mora Vermentino is juicy and pleasant with vivacious flavors of citrus and pineapple that are balanced by minerality. A great alternative to the ubiquitous Pinot Grigio.
"We want to express the origin of our wines," said Andrea. From Chianti Classico to Maremma, Cecchi wines have a compelling sense of place. You'll also notice that all of Cecchi's Chianti Classico wines include the word famiglia in their name; the love of family and devotion to legacy is truly at the heart of this 125 year old winery. When your family's name is on the bottle, wine transcends from beverage to a beloved representation of past, present, and future. The Cecchi family can rest well at night knowing that their wines are representing them well around the globe. From casual meals of pizza and pasta to more elaborate fare, you can serve Cecchi wines to your family and friends with pride.
