2020 Fattoria Rodano Chianti Classico DOCG

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino, 5% Canaiolo

Vineyard Practice: Organic

Culinary Suggestions: Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine Steak), Lamb Chops, Rich Pasta Dishes, Charcuterie

Alcohol: 14.5%

Bottle Size: 750ml

Origins

The Rodano fattoria (farm), only reachable by a unsealed road off the Via Chiantigiana, was for centuries, a staging post for pilgrims travelling south to Rome. It sits atop a high hill and surveys a classically Tuscan landscape of rolling vine-striped hills and valleys, including the amphitheatre of the Viacosta vineyard that provides fruit for its single-vineyard bottling.

Fattoria Rodáno also lies off the beaten track in the press but it is unquestionably a top source for classically made and complex Chianti. Located in Castellina in the heart of the Chianti Classico district, the estate dates back as a wine-producing property to the sixteenth century.

Thankfully, nestled amongst the many vast wineries pumping out either tart and insipid, or confected and brutish Chianti, the Pozzesi family understand and developed a dedicated following for their Chianti which reflects a sense of place and tradition and have made their ‘classico’ from 90% Sangiovese and 5% each of Colorino and Canaiolo, grown in southwest-facing vineyards in the Castellina sub zone.

Oak aging is done in large Slovenian botti di rovere which impart little more than a seasoning, allowing the purity of the fruit and balanced structure to shine on their own merits.

These days it is son Enrico Pozzesi (pictured above) who handles the management and winemaking. One of the reasons for the fantastic quality here is that the domaine’s former winemaker was Guilio Gambelli, who passed away in 2012. Gambelli was one of the most legendary winemakers in Chianti, consulting for such estates as Montevertine and Gianfranco Soldera. Enrico worked at his side for many years and Rodáno is one of the best-kept secrets in all of Tuscany…

The style of the Rodáno Chianti bottlings is traditional, with Sangiovese playing a dominant role in all of the estate’s various bottlings. The Chianti Classico (a blend of 90% Sangiovese with 5% each of Colorino and Canaiolo) is aged entirely in large Slovenian “botte,” and the Riserva is a combination of these large casks and a small ammount of used barriques. Like all great traditional Sangiovese-based wines, the Rodáno wines show exceptionally lovely, bright acidity that adds freshness and focus on the palate. There is a liveliness and drive to these wines that resonates not only in the mouth but in all the senses; a very rare quality.

The heart and soul of their vineyard holdings is the beautifully situated vineyard of Viacosta, which is a perfect, south-facing bowl of old vines, that average between thirty-five and forty-five years of age. In top vintages, the Rodáno Riserva Chianti bottling is made from the Viacosta vineyard. -Importer Note

Tasting Note

90% Sangiovese 10% Canaiolo & Colorino - ambient yeasts. 22 days maceration, 15 months ageing in Slovenian Botte Grande. This is from one of the great areas in Chianti (Castellina) from organically grown grapes, hand tended vines, hand harvested, fermented with natural yeasts and aged in large neutral botte grande (foudre) - there are not many Tuscan estates making wine like that these days..

Gloriously bright vibrant cherry-red in the glass. On the nose, classically seductive Sangiovese aromas of fresh red cherries and sweet tobacco with a very complex lingering perfume. In the mouth it is gorgeous; vibrant, fresh and bright with a fine balance and admirable concentration. The finish is elegant and lingering with gentle sweetness and attractive grip. An impeccably balanced wine that will keep in the cellar. Sangiovese is one of the world's greatest red grapes capable of producing wines of power aligned to grace and definition - this is a serious bargain for the quality. -Importer Note