Recently Awarded 2010 the Open Table Diners’ Choice Award
Wine of the Week – Fattoria Vignavecchia Chianti Classico
The “Wine Professor” Anthony Verdoni and “The Tasso” Victor Rallo, Jr. weigh in with their thoughts on the Wine of the Week, Fattoria Vignavecchia Chianti Classico 2004.
Anthony Verdoni (AKA “The Wine Professor”)
Overall quality: A-
Value: B+
You’re buying more than wine here. You’re buying history. The handsome, bearded man on the label is Odoardo Beccari, who founded Vignavecchia in 1876. He retired to this estate in Radda after a life as an explorer, botanist, zoologist, and ornithologist. In his commitment to scientific research, he made arduous journeys to such distant lands as New Guinea and Sumatra – and he later brought this intellectual curiosity back to his vineyards. His descendants run the winery today, adhering to the high standards that Odoardo set so many decades ago.
Radda is one of Chianti Classico’s most important and historic villages. The Sangiovese here is powerful and complex, much as it is in Montalcino. The wines age well. The 2004 vintage was superb, bordering on spectacular. Vignavecchia Chianti Classico is rounding into shape. It is perfect when decanted or when it is served in large, balloon glasses.
All of the flavors of the Merlot are well integrated into the oak and Sangiovese. Balance is everything! The color is ruby to purple, an almost brilliant eggplant hue. The taste is peppery with dark fruit nuances from the Merlot. The best part for me was the prolonged, lingering, fruity finish. You can hold this wine for another 3-5 years, if you have the patience. Treat yourself. Buy some history.
Victor Rallo, Jr. (“The Tasso”)
Overall quality: B+
Value: A
When you meet Orsola Beccari you know immediately the Vignavecchia makes great wine. She is dynamic, fun and energetic just like the wines her family produces, and the 2004 Chianti Classico is no exception. This wine is an excellent bridge wine, the infusion of 15% merlot when blended with the oak aged sangiovese produces and international style Chianti Classico that appeals to the American palate. This wine has excellent balance, beautiful fruit and a delightful finish. A great choice with hard cheeses, roasted meats and even a pizza.
