There are few better renditions of the Sangiovese grape than this one. Il Carbonaione is a lovely, perfumed, concentrated and pure red, drawn from a rare Sangiovese clone. Grown at high elevation, the old vines above Greve in Chianti yield only small quantities of intensely flavored grapes. The name refers to a charcoal pit that was discovered at the site. Its layers of pure black cherry, blackberry and red cherry fruits are seamlessly interwoven with subtleties of herbs, smoke, spices and violets. The finish is nuanced and long, with the pure fruit and spice elements lasting pleasantly. It is a wonderful example of Sangiovese that can be enjoyed now or cellared for another 8 to 10 years.
Poggio Scalette, Alta Valle della Greve IGT (Tuscany, Italy) Sangiovese 2011
By Wayne Belding