Wine With Wanda

Tuscany's Gold Knight Ventures Beyond the Castle Walls: Cavaliere d'Oro Wines Showcase Four Italian Regions

"We make wine where the wine in the glass speaks about the terroir where it grows."
Federico Cerelli, Chief Winemaker, Cavaliere d'Oro

Imagine a grown-up fairy tale where a dashing knight clad in a golden suit of armor, gallops up to you on a glorious steed and whisks you away to a medieval Tuscan castle where each glass of wine is more wonderful than the last. Sounds like heaven! Well, my daydream essentially came true on a recent visit to Castello di Gabbiano for a celebration of their new collection of Cavaliere d'Oro wines. No, I did not get swept away on a horse, but my palate embarked on an exciting wine tasting adventure through Tuscany and beyond!


Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, Castello di Gabbiano's rich winemaking legacy can be traced back to 1480. Legend has it that during the Middle Ages a Gold Knight protected this majestic castle and vineyards. Inspired by this fearless knight, Cavaliere d'Oro wines pay homage to this glorious history but represent the start of a bold new chapter. Cavaliere d'Oro has Tuscan roots but valiantly explores other winemaking regions: Puglia, Sicily, and Veneto. The collection currently consists of 13 wines from these 4 regions and range in price from $10-$40. 


Born in Tuscany, the juice of the Sangiovese grape runs in winemaker Federico Cerelli's veins. At home, there was always a bottle of Sangiovese on the table. Federico's favorite childhood snack, prepared by his grandmother, was a piece of bread moistened with wine and topped with a sprinkle of sugar. His grandfather had a hectare of vineyards and as a little boy Federico loved helping him. It seems that Federico was destined to be a winemaker. Since 2011, he has been Chief Winemaker at Castello di Gabbiano and the new Cavaliere d'Oro project combines Federico's Tuscan expertise with his experience and curiosity about other Italian winemaking regions. 

Chianti 2017 DOCG ($10), Chianti Classico 2016 DOCG ($14), Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 DOCG ($22), Bellezza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 DOCG ($40)



The Cavaliere d'Oro collection contains four Sangiovese based wines but each is completely different. Federico touts "the flexibility that Sangiovese has to adapt to the terroir" as a key factor in this range of expression. The grape adapts and reflects the characteristics of the soil and micro-climates. From easygoing and fresh, to complex and sultry; there is a Cavaliere d'Oro wine for every moment, meal, and budget.  


The single-vineyard Bellezza Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 DOCG ($40) is an excellent example of Sangiovese's ability to transmit terroir. Bellezza means beauty and this superb wine lives up to the name. 

The Bellezza vineyard is a rocky hillside plot and the wine's rich fruit flavors are balanced by a pleasing flinty minerality and touch of earth. Silky with soft tannins and gorgeous flavors of black cherry and raspberry, with a tinge of orange peel and cedar; Bellezza has great freshness and acidity. Delicious now, Bellezza's balanced structure indicates that it will age gracefully. 

The Tuscan wines also include two blends. Cavaliere d'Oro Toscana 2016 IGT ($17) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese; it has charming flavors of juicy wild berries and a touch of violets. 

Alleanza Toscana 2016 IGT ($35) is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with seductive flavors of black cherry with touches of anise, toasted oak, and sweet spice. 



Heading south, the Gold Knight explores Sicily and Puglia. Terre Siciliane Rosso 2017 IGT ($17) blends Sicily's iconic Nero d'Avola with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. 20% of the hand-picked Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were air-dried and then vinified. The non-dried grapes were fermented separately. This is quite a complex and nuanced wine at a very accessible price point. Rich but not unwieldy, its bold fruit flavors and hints of spice are impressively harmonious. 


100% Primitivo, the Gold Knight delivers a vibrant and bold expression of Puglia's native grape. Primitivo Puglia 2017 IGT ($17) is velvety and lush with flavors of ripe cherries and plum with hints of cocoa and vanilla. 

Lest you think the Gold Knight has pledged exclusive fealty to red wines, Cavaliere d'Oro also has a selection of refreshing white wines that are focused on Pinot Grigio and Prosecco. 



Think all Pinot Grigio wines are the same? Cavaliere d'Oro presents three very different expressions of Italy's most famous white wine. Gabbiano Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC 2017 and Pinot Grigio Valdadige DOC 2017 both blend Pinot Grigio with a bit of Chardonnay: Gabbiano has vibrant flavors of fresh green apple, citrus, and tropical fruit, whereas the Valdadige has more pronounced minerality. The Campanile Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC 2017 is 100% Pinot Grigio and has a hint of salinity and tropical fruit. Around $10 each. 

And even the Gold Knight can't resist a flirty glass of sparkling wine. Lively and festive with delicate bubbles, Cavaliere d'Oro Prosecco ($14) is 100% Glera from the Veneto region. They also produce a Prosecco that is available exclusively at restaurants. 

Winemaker Federico Cerelli explains the nuances of the Cavaliere d'Oro wines. 

 "Every region in Italy is a different culture, a different philosophy," said Federico. 4 regions, 13 wines; Cavaliere d'Oro is an ambitious project. When asked what links these wines from Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, and Veneto together, Federico adamantly stated, "All the wines must be at their top level of quality. Drinkability. Elegance." This philosophy, paired with a strong foundation and Federico's precise and artistic approach to winemaking, Cavaliere d'Oro is poised to win over wine lovers. 


Outside of the museums, knights in shining armor are a rarity in Manhattan so it was an absolute delight to step back in time during my visit and stay at Castello di Gabbiano. Pick up a few bottles of Cavaliere d'Oro wine and start planning your own magical Tuscan getaway. Spacious rooms and apartments are available for rent at the castle. The property also has a fantastic restaurant, appropriately named Il Cavaliere, that serves authentic and fresh Tuscan cuisine. Live and drink life like it's golden! 

Captivated by Cecchi Wines: A True Taste of Tuscany

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.
 

A Timeless Taste of Tuscany: The Wines of Cecchi

When your family has been making quality wine since 1893, it takes an extraordinary amount of work and dedication to maintain such an impressive legacy. But perhaps more than anything, winemaking at this level requires passion without limits. This passion fuels the Cecchi brothers, Andrea and Cesare, as they guide their family through another era of extraordinary winemaking where tradition and innovation co-exist beautifully. 

I recently had the pleasure of sharing wine and conversation with Andrea Cecchi during one of his whirlwind visits to New York. The quintessential Tuscan gentleman, Andrea has an elegant but approachable demeanor and Cecchi wines also exude grace, warmth, and openness. 



La Mora Vermentino 2014 ($19.99)
Tuscany is known throughout the world for exceptional red wines but don't ignore the whites. Cecchi produces this pretty Vermentino in the coastal Maremma region.  Vibrant and refreshing with perky citrus and floral notes, La Mora Vermentino is Tuscan sunshine in a glass. A perfect apéritif and an absolutely winning match with seafood. 

La Mora Morellino di Scansano 2013 ($22.99)
Everyone who loves Chianti should give Morellino di Scansano a swirl to experience a different expression of the Sangiovese grape. Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese in the Maremma region and Scansano is a village in the region. Maremma's gentle sea breezes and diverse soils nurture grapes with soft tannins. Soft and round with hints of red cherry, this juicy red from the Maremma region is easy elegance personified. Pair with pasta, meat, and even a burger. 


Cecchi Chianti Classico 2014 ($20.99)
Look closely at the label of this bottle and you will see gold script that says "Storia di Famiglia" - family history. This is the vino that tells the Cecchi story to wine lovers around the world. Well-structured with a rustic elegance, this wine really captures the essence of Chianti Classico with its earthiness and flavors of dark cherries. Pair with hearty dishes and sharp cheeses. 2016 marks the 300th anniversary of Chianti Classico and a bottle of Cecchi is a delicious way to celebrate the occasion. 



Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia 2013 ($40.99)
Refined and nuanced, Cecchi only produces this wine in years that the grape harvest is of the highest quality. Aged for 14 months in oak casks before bottling and then bottle-aged for another 4 months before release, the Sangiovese grows in richness and complexity. As the wine breathes, it opens up to reveal gorgeous flavors of rich cherries, black currants, and plums that are balanced by a touch of spice and earth. This is the wine I would reach for when eating a rare and juicy Porterhouse steak/Bistecca Fiorentina. 



Cecchi COEVO 2011 ($105.99)
This wine holds a very special meaning for the Cecchi brothers because it was inspired by their late father, Luigi. Signore Cecchi was enamored of the Maremma region and COEVO (which means contemporary) combines the more modern style of the Maremma wines with the classic techniques of Chianti Classico. This outstanding tribute is a blend of Sangiovese combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. COEVO is full-bodied but elegant and silky with impressive freshness, minerality, and balance - it will elevate every meal to a higher level. A wonderful match with roasts, braised & grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

It was such an honor to share these wines with Andrea Cecchi. Cecchi's excellent wines certainly speak for themselves but our conversation reminded me of wine's unique ability to create a bridge between people of different cultures. The world needs more of that. Cheers! 



P.S. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Cecchi welcomes visitors at Villa Cerna in the heart of Chianti Classico and at Val delle Rose in the Maremma (I was at the Maremma winery last year and it is stunning!)
 

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Wines Worth Exploring: Sip Tuscany with Castello di Verrazzano

The mercurial moods of New Yorkers stuck in traffic on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge* would brighten tremendously if a delicious bottle of Castello di Verrazzano wine awaited them at their destination. In 1524 Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first European explorer to sail into New York Harbor and the bridge named in his honor opened in 1964. Alas, you can't take his namesake bridge to Tuscany but you can take your palate on an Italian adventure and drink history with Castello di Verrazzano - their wines are produced at the Tuscan estate at Greve in Chianti where the famed explorer was born. 


Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, between Florence and Siena, Castello di Verrazzano has its roots as an Etruscan and then a Roman settlement. The property was acquired by the Verrazzano family in the 7th century and the present day owners, the Cappellini family, acquired the estate in 1958. Castello di Verrazzano is a founding member of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico and the estate is certified organic.


Silvia and Luigi Giovanni Cappellini - owners of Castello di Verrazzano and "Templars of Sangiovese!"

I had the pleasure of meeting with Silvia and Luigi Giovanni Cappellini to learn more about the wines of Castello di Verrazzano and the estate's astounding history. Truly a family affair, their daughters Maria Chiara and Maria Sole, and Luigi's dynamic 90 year old mother Clara are all vital parts of the business. Passionate and devoted to nurturing the legacy of the estate, Luigi said, "I am very Verrazzano. My name is Cappellini but we are Verrazzano."

 

Watch the video to hear directly from Silvia and Luigi about what it's like to work together, how the estate's limestone rich terroir makes their wines special, food pairings, and their commitment to providing guests with an authentic Tuscan experience. We even discussed Luigi's signature bow ties  - he's the president of the Bow Tie Academy! The video features two Castello di Verrazzano wines: Chianti Classico 2013 and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello 2011 (only produced in the best vintages.)


Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 ($26)
95% Sangiovese with 5% Canaiolo, this is a beautiful expression of a classic Chianti. Luigi describes it as having power and finesse. The family considers themselves "the Templars of Sangiovese" and this wine elegantly demonstrates their commitment to preserving the integrity of Tuscany's signature grape.


Sassello Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011  ($79)
100% Sangiovese, Sassello is only produced in the best vintages from a small vineyard at the very top of the hill. The wine is named after the Sassello bird which flies around looking for the best grapes. When you see these birds hovering around your grapes, you know they're superb! Sassello is a really nuanced and balanced wine that is infinitely drinkable. The prestigious Gran Selezione designation represents the very top of the Chianti quality pyramid.


If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Castello di Verrazzano welcomes visitors for tours, wine tastings, overnight stays, and meals featuring food from their farm. Their restaurant in Florence, Cantinetta, serves all of the Castello di Verrazzano wines and farm-to-table cuisine. Luigi calls Cantinetta "the Verrazzano embassy in Florence." They also own a trendy wine & cocktail bar, Spumantino, that overlooks the famed Ponte Vecchio.

Aren't you ready to explore Castello di Verrazzano's wines and Tuscan way of life?

*Only in New York would we name a bridge after someone and misspell the last name! Verrazzano's last name is correctly spelled with two "z's" but the bridge only spells it with one.

Quintessentially Tuscan: The Elegant Wines of Marchesi Mazzei

"Sangiovese has to be elegant. That's the identity of Sangiovese." - Francesco Mazzei 

One day I may write a novel about a charming and impeccably dressed Tuscan gentleman who travels the world sharing his family's wonderful wines. Readers of that novel won't be wrong in thinking that the protagonist is inspired by Francesco Mazzei, estate owner of Castello di Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. One of Tuscany's most ancient vineyard sites, vines were already planted at Castello di Fonterutoli when the Mazzei family inherited the estate in 1435. The family has been producing wine at this historic property in the heart of the Chianti Classico region for an astounding 24 generations and they are one of the ten oldest family enterprises in Italy. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mazzei and tasting these storied wines at a fantastic luncheon in Manhattan hosted by Palm Bay International at Aureole restaurant.



Described by the prestigious Italian culinary organization Gambero Rosso as "one of the 50 wines that changed Italy's wine style," Siepi ($150) is arguably the most celebrated wine in the Mazzei portfolio. First released in 1992, Siepi is produced from a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that is grown on one of the estate's best parcels. Mazzei was one of the first families in the Chianti Classico region to plant Merlot as an ideal partner with Tuscany's signature grape - Sangiovese.


Mazzei Sangiovese grapes

Blending Sangiovese with an equal proportion of Merlot creates a wine that is absolutely Tuscan but with a unique flavor profile. Unlike French Merlot that can be aggressively plummy, Tuscan Merlot has a more subtle yet luscious flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the higher acidity and subtle tartness of Sangiovese. This year’s release of the 2012 vintage marks the 20^th anniversary of Siepi and a special limited edition bottle has been produced to honor this milestone.


 
Our vertical tasting of Siepi included vintages from 2005-2012. As expected, each vintage had unique attributes but the Siepi style shined through - full bodied with impressive freshness, vibrant acidity, rich fruit flavor balanced by earthiness, and dashes of spice and dark chocolate. More Armani than Versace, Siepi is not flashy but has a classic elegance and finesse that seems simple at first but astounds you with its complexity the more you sip.



Castello di Fonterutoli 2011 ($70) is like the timeless beauty Sophia Loren in a bottle  - voluptuous, bold, and charming. A blend of 92% Sangiovese with 8% Malvasia Nera and Colorino; this sophisticated wine is classified as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG - the top category in the quality pyramid. A beautifully balanced wine with flavors of ripe cherries and a hint of violet that is balanced by fine tannins and minerality; I could drink this wine everyday and not be bored.



A mix of 36 different Sangiovese biotypes, Mix 36 2011 ($85) showcases the expressive range of the varietal. Full-bodied with lovely flavors of cherry and orange peel with great acidity, this is a wine that uniquely captures the beauty and essence of Sangiovese.  




Should your travels take you to Tuscany, Mazzei offers wine tours and tastings, overnight accommodations, and dining at Castello di Fonterutoli. I'll definitely be stopping by on my next trip to Italy to sip their fabulous wines and gather more material for my novel!