2020 Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy (750ml)
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A Monthly Wine Club Selection
For centuries, the finest Sangiovese has been produced from within Chianti Classico, the historic heart of the Chianti region in the hills of Tuscany. Tenuta di Arceno lies among these hills and is home to this special wine. A modern Tuscan estate with a rich history, the winery is situated in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga on one of the regions’ most historic estates, comprised of 2,500 acres, only 220 of which are planted to vines.
The vineyards of Arceno are planted to a broad spectrum of clones (19 for Sangiovese alone) to maximize each variety’s potential. A selection of older Sangiovese clones provides an earthy, bright backbone, while newer clones have been added to provide more color, power and complexity to the wines. Arceno possesses an enviable diversity of elevations, aspects, soils and mesoclimates, a situation that is ideal for the cultivation of Sangiovese (half of their production), and several other “international” varietals (the remainder being planted to Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot).
Since its establishment in 1994, Tenuta di Arceno has employed sustainable farming practices to improve the overall health of the vineyard, soils and quality of life for those working with the vines. The estate does not employ use of herbicides and avoids unnecessary use of fungicides, and plants cover crops to encourage microbiological activity, and increase aeration. Planting of cover crops also aids in balancing vine vigor. The use of physical, hands-on and labor-intensive methods under the rows helps avoid the use of sprays for weeds and other naturally occurring vegetation. In certain vintages, green harvesting is employed to ensure that the entire crop will attain physiological ripeness, a practice all but unheard of in Chianti!
Additionally, the estate recycles all organic vineyard material back into soil to boost nutrients and essential microbes. Tenuta Arceno benefits from two different weather stations on the estate to appropriately gauge and limit use of the drip irrigation systems managed block by block, and deployed with careful attention to water conservation.
After a vigilant sorting process, the grapes were transferred to micro tanks for separate lot vinification. Aged in French oak for 10 months, this primarily Sangiovese-based Chianti Classico is blended with 15% Merlot, and true to its origins, is lifted and floral.
Deep ruby color. Delightful brambly berry aromatics. Big, ripe dark cherry fruit with a hint of maraschino, violets and black tea. The tannins typical of Sangiovese have some grip, and the wine ends with a long, spiced-laced finish.