There is so much history with this family, it’s crazy. Established in 1435, they have been making wine in Tuscany for nearly 600 years. Can you imagine for a minute the same family nurturing the same vineyards for 25 generations? That is a serious commitment.
As a matter of interest, their ancestors were the first to name, and use ‘Chianti Classico’ as seen on the documentation on their Ser Lapo release, but we will get to that later.
They have since expanded into other regions in Italy as seen by the diversity in their wines. Estate vineyards total over 1,100 hectares with 225 hectares of some of the best vineyard properties in four appellations.
Villa Marcello NV Extra Dry Prosecco Treviso DOC
Villa Marcello is in Prosecco adjacent to Conegliano and blends modern advances with age-old traditions. This is a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Bianco and is a non-vintage Estate grown Prosecco that most certainly raises the bar for others to aim for.
This is an Extra Dry which means it is not as dry as Brut but there is only a touch of sweetness.
The first thing you notice about the palate is how welcoming it is. Refreshing delicate bubbles and a smooth mouthfeel give way to layers of apples, pears, stone fruits, and honeysuckle. This would work really well in Mimosas, but it’s almost a shame to mix it, no matter how good the end result is. The hint of sweetness is a plus that lingers after you have finished your last sip.
No need to cellar this, this is available all the time.
Pairings should include Caviar, firm cheeses and crackers, Shellfish, and most white fish.
Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG 2018- the Father of Chianti.
That should be enough for you to want to drink this, but this is a wine review after all.
It was their ancestor Ser Lapo known as the ‘father’ of the Chianti wine appellation who first coined the phrase in a document on December 13th, 1398.
This is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.
A heady nose of bright red fruits- cherries and cranberries.
The palate is smooth and inviting, well-balanced with some gritty tannins reminding you it is Tuscany and needs an hour or two decanting as well as some sliced meats, cheese, and a crusty loaf.
Layers of alluring cherries, raspberries, and cranberries with secondary notes of cinnamon, cooking herbs, and an earthy note on the finish. There is a nice level of sweetness through the mid-palate and a long finish that makes this even more interesting.
Cellar this out for another 10 years- 2034.
Pairings should include Beef, Osso Buco, Pasta, Pepperoni Pizza, and of course sliced meats, cheese, and a crusty Italian loaf.
Philip Toscana IGT Cabernet 2020- be surprised.
I know what you are thinking, a single varietal Cabernet from Tuscany, really?
This wine is dedicated to Philip Mazzei, a patriot, and a close friend of Thomas Jefferson. “The great doctrine, All men are created equal” incorporated into the Declaration of Independence was paraphrased from the writings of Philip Mazzei.
The nose is a potpourri of red and dark fruits, cooking herbs, and a hint of plum.
The palate is enticing layers of cherries, blackberries, plums, and herbs with some interesting notes of dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla, licorice, tomato leaf, and tobacco. Decant for an hour or two and you will discover a velvety smooth mouthfeel, great structure, and balance, with elegance beyond its price point- under $50.
I would consider cellaring this to 2035.
Pairings should include NY Strips, Beef, Lamb, Osso Buco, Meat pasta, Pepperoni Pizza, cured meats, and Chicken Cacciatore.
Zisola Doppiozeta Noto DOC 2014 – Aged to perfection for your enjoyment!
This estate is in Southeast Sicily, the birthplace of Nero d’Avola, in the heritage-protected region of Noto, and was acquired in 2003 after an exhaustive 5-year search. The vineyards are surrounded by olive, citrus, and almond trees.
This is a blend of 65% Nero, 25% Syrah, and 10% Cab Franc.
The enticing nose displays aromas of blackberries, black currant, and ripe black cherry.
The palate is all blackberry jam, black currants, blueberries, and dark chocolate-covered cherries. Wrapped in a restrained level of sweetness, reminiscent of an Amarone, there are hints of tobacco, cedar, and plum that grab your attention on the finish. An absolute delight to drink.
This will cellar out another 3 – 5 years but is great drinking now.
Pairings should include Beef, Lamb, Meat Pasta, and Mushroom Risotto.
Vine to Table 