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Mission Codename: Fiddler on the Roof

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Visit Fattoria La Marcellina and acquire their unique Sassocupo Chianti Classic

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Fattoria La Marcellina

Wine Subject: 2006 Comignole Chianti Classico DOCG

Winemaker: Fabio Castellacci

Backgrounder:

Chianti Classico DOCG is produced in one of the eight sub-regions in the Chianti region. This one hales from the Panzano in Chianti commune, in the Chianti hills about halfway between Siena to the south and Florence to the north. The DOCG requires that these wines range from 75-100% Sangiovese grapes and often is blended with Caniolo Nero, Trebbiano, Colorino, Malvasia or Cabernet Sauvignon (regular Chianti is limited to no more than 90% Sangiovese).

This Chianti Classico DOCG is 100% Sangiovese and has good cellar potential. The finest Chianti Classico, such as this one, can age gracefully for up to 20 years and are also among the funnest food wines from Italy.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark burgundy and purple with garnet hues through its dense and almost inky core. Along the edges the color becomes a light shade of garnet and when swirled, widely and randomly spaced thin legs descend to the wine below.

Smell – Medium bold in intensity with sweet and ripe aromas of red and black cherry over a smokey and earthy base. Subtle notes of floral violets and exotic spice intermingle with toasted vanilla, herbal bramble and a touch of black licorice.

Feel – Smooth and rich, this dry full-bodied wine has firm and firm but smooth persistent tannins and good acidity that becomes slightly chewy and mouth coating with a nice tanginess at mid palate.

Taste – Ample flavors of both ripe and dried, earthy and smokey red and black cherry, spiced plum and other dark bramble fruit are framed by this wine’s balanced acidity and a nice minerality. Complex hints of toasted vanilla, exotic spice and licorice add to the flavors that present on the nose.

Finish – Long and lingering with vivid earthy and smokey fruit including cherry and plum supported by this wine’s tannins and balanced acidity structure.

Conclusion – The 2006 La Marcellina Comignole Chianti Classico DOCG is a lovely and pure expression of Sangiovese. Bright and lively fruit with complex herbal, floral and earthy notes makes this wine a great accompaniment to bold and rich Italian food. Easy to drink and enjoy, this Chianti Classico will continue to improve for the next 5 or more years.

Mission Report:

Below is a recap of Agent White’s first encounter with La Marcellina great Tuscan wines.

Word came in from OPS to head south from Florence and find Sassocupo… I had heard rumors of Sassocupo, but wasn’t sure what exactly what he or she, or it was. The rumors ranged from a Sasquatch type creature that wrecked havoc in the area to a small ground mole that raided vineyards in search of a tasty meal. I had no idea what to expect.

My local asset on the ground, Agent Baco Noir promoted the Sasquatch theory, I think in an effort to not only intimidate me but also, as I found out later, to as part of her ongoing game with me. Baco informed me that she had a lead and insisted that I be prepared for outdoor activities (think Man v. Wild), but I wasn’t worried, heck this was Tuscany, how wild would it get, not to mention, my local asset never wore anything less than 4 inch heels, regardless of the terrain.

We ventured forth on our Vespas through the winding hills of the Chianti region, and we approached a vineyard in the Panzano in Chianti commune. From here we went on foot, and walked into a carefully tended Sangiovese vineyard. Then things started to get strange, I started hearing grunts and other not-so-natural sounds. She took up a position behind me and pushed me forward. The noises continued and in the distance I could see a small worn-out barn.

“There, in the barn”, She pointed… _ “My contact said to check there…”_

As I opened the creaky door, a thin ray of sunlight lit only a portion of the otherwise dark and dusty barn. I took a step in and the door slammed shut with a shudder, both from the barn and also up my spine. Just then, Baco, goosed me by grabbing me from behind and scared the, well, better discretion says I cannot describe….

As she laughed, the door opened, and the Castellacci family emerged with big smiles and said “let’s go and meet Sassocupo”, as they presented me a bottle of their Chianti Classico Riserva, named Sassocupo.

Mystery solved, and a delicious mystery it was.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Fattoria La Marcellina can be seen in this satellite photo.