Fattoria del Cerro Chianti Colli Senesi 2019

James Suckling 89
“A Chianti with lots of berry and chocolate character, medium body, vanilla undertones and simple finish. Drink now.”~JS

“The Chianti DOCG designation applies to all Chianti wines other than those made from grapes grown in the Chianti Classico area. This appellation covers six specific sub-zones, such as Chianti Rufina and Chianti Colli Senesi, by far the largest of the sub-zones. It extends west and south of the classico zone and encompasses vineyards San Gimignano, Montalcino and Montepulciano among others. The warmer microclimate of the southern part of Colli Senesi, enables producers to make relatively full-bodied Chianti wines. Fattoria del Cerro has 50 acres of these vineyards that are in the Chianti Colli Senesi appellation. Comprehensive in their diversity, the different expositions of the vineyards allow for a rigorous selection of the best grapes to make quality wines.”

“Vivid ruby red color, slight purplish hues. The bouquet on the nose is fruity with hints of wild black cherry and a delicate balsamic and herbal finish. On the palate it is soft and full bodied with excellent persistence. Best served with first course dishes, meat and mushroom sauces, veal stews and roast chicken.”~Winery Notes

Acquired in 1978 by Saiagricola, the Fattoria del Cerro estate was already an established part of the Montepulciano winemaking community and under the Baiocchi family, who founded the estate in 1922. This long-standing tradition allowed Fattoria del Cerro to play a major role in the renaissance this area experienced with the creation of the DOCG appellations in 1980. Fattoria del Cerro emerged from this transitional period as one of the foremost producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Today, the estate is comprised of 1,485 acres of land. In addition to olive groves, wooded areas and fields, there are 230 acres of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano vineyards, 90 acres of Rosso di Montepulciano vineyards, 50 acres of Chianti Colli Senesi vineyards and 52 acres of other ­varietal vineyards. The state-of-the-art winery produces 850,000 bottles of wine every year.