The Frescobaldi Family has eleven estates in Italy, ten of which are in Tuscany. Tenuta Castiglione in Chianti Classico is the point of origin of wine production for Frescobaldi and documents indicate that wines were produced there as early as 1300.
The family traces its roots back 700 years in Florence through 30 generations. They began in banking and played an important role in the political, economic, cultural and social life of Florence. Today the family family operates the wine producer Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and is behind the Laudemio brand of Italian olive oil.
I have enjoyed Frescobaldi wines for many years and recently had an opportunity to taste wines from Tenuta Perano which they also own.
Tenuta Perano is located in Gaiole in Chianti, in the Chianti Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The vineyards are at 500 meters. Steep slopes and stony soils characterize the landscape.
Chianti Classico 2020 made from Sangiovese and complementary varieties. Grapes are harvested by hand. Vinification is in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Then maceration on the skins with a controlled and careful pumping over. The different grapes were aged separately in wood, then further aging in bottle until the wine is ready for release. The wine has hints of red berries, cherries, plums, violets, floral notes and a touch of spice. $27
Chianti Classico 2016 Riserva Chianti Classico Made from Sangiovese and Merlot. The vineyard is at 500 meters. Grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand. Fermentation is in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. The cap formed on the surface is broken frequently to ensure perfect polyphonic extraction. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 24 months and for a time in the bottle before release. The wine has hints of violets, red berries, and leather with floral notes and a touch of pepper. $46
Chianti Classico 2018 Riserva made from Sangiovese and Merlot same as above $46
Chianti Classico “ Rialzi” Grand Selezione 2018 Made from 100% Sangiovese from the Rialzi vineyard at 500 meters and higher, laid out over three terraces with alberese soil and a southern exposure. At harvest the grapes are carefully hand picked and at the winery there is another selection process. Fermentation is in temperature controlled stainless steel vats, with skin maceration and gentle pumping over. Aging is for 36 months in which 24 were in barriques. Then the wine is aged in the bottle until it is ready for release. This is a full bodied wine with hints of cider, cinnamon, sweet spices, plum, fig and a touch of tobacco. $51
Both 2016 and 2018 were excellent vintages in Chianti Classcio