Fresh and tangy, with primary fruit notes of apricot and orange mingling with walnut, caramel and dried fig flavors. Harmonious, with a spine of vibrant acidity driving the long aftertaste. Drink now through 2038.
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There are few other wineries anywhere that have such an aura of vinicultural history as that of Badia a Coltibuono. In Europe, it is not too difficult to find wineries that have origins dating back one, two, three, even five centuries, but the edifice at Badia a Coltibuono has been watching over winemaking for almost a thousand years—and the building was constructed long after wine was first made on the property. Grapeseeds and amphorae from the first century A.D. Roman period—evidence of wine production—have been found at an archaeological dig on the property, and even earlier ruins from the wine-savvy Etruscan culture are present as well.
That is not to say that Badia a Coltibuono was designed specifically as a winery all those years ago. It was established as an abbey (badia) in 1051 by St. Giovanni Gualberto, the founder of the Vallumbrosan Order of Benedictine monks. Of course, wine production was an important element of monastical life, and the Vallumbrosans may have been the first to cultivate Sangiovese in Tuscany. The abbey’s name, Coltibuono, can be translated as “Good Cultivation” or “Good Harvest,” perhaps indicating the importance of viticulture there.
Today, the Badia a Coltibuono estate in the Chianti Classico commune of Gaiole in Chianti is led by the fifth generation of family members: Emanuela, Paolo, and Roberto Stucchi Prinetti. There are 150 acres of vineyards on the property, along with another 50 acres of olive trees. This being Chianti Classico, Sangiovese is naturally the most important grape variety planted. However, the family honors Chianti’s heritage by also keeping significant numbers of vines of other traditional varieties that are allowed but often omitted in Chianti Classico: Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Foglia Tonda, Malvasia Nera, Mammolo, Pugnitello, and Sanforte (as well as Trebbiano and Malvasia for Vin Santo). From these building blocks, Badia a Coltibuono makes a robust range of wines from the traditional to the innovative.
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LOCATIONWINERY: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany VINEYARD: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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95
AUGUST 2023
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC Occhio di Pernice 2008
Fresh and tangy, with primary fruit notes of apricot and orange mingling with walnut, caramel and dried fig flavors. Harmonious, with a spine of vibrant acidity driving the long aftertaste. Drink now through 2038. 95
DECEMBER 2020
Badia a Coltibuono “Montebello” Toscana IGT 2015
Montebello is the name of the vineyard where the nine varieties included in the blend were grown. It is their only single vineyard wine, since grapes for their Chiantis are sourced from multiple sites. Roberto Stucchi Prinetti, co-owner and winemaker, considers it an homage to old Chianti Classico because it is an equal blend of traditional varieties. Today it cannot be labeled Chianti Classico since Sangiovese must be at least 80 percent of the blend. “You could call it a Super Tuscan in the sense that it is not Chianti Classico, but it is truly Super Tuscan,” he said. “No international varieties, but a very complex blend of indigenous ones.” The first vintage was 2011. Subtle, ripe black cherry fruit is layered with cedar, tobacco, toasted spices lifted by fresh, bright acidity and supported by velvet-smooth tannins. 91
OCTOBER 2023
Badia a Coltibuono “Montebello” Toscana IGT 2018
A maturing red marked by plum, leather, sanguine and resinous oak notes, with woodsy, mushroom accents that are beginning to emerge. Well-integrated and long. Sangiovese, Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo and Foglia Tonda. 91
SEPTEMBER 2020
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2018
The 2018 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, enticing wine. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry, pipe tobacco, cedar and mint all grace this exquisite, ethereal Chianti Classico from Coltibuono. All the elements simply fall into place effortlessly. Silky tannins round things out in style. This is such a beguiling Chianti Classico. 92
JUNE 2022
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2018
Red cherries, cranberries, slate, cloves, bay leaves and lemon peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and excellent freshness. Bright. Drink or hold. 93
JULY 2023
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2018
Notes of dried strawberries and cherries with hints of chocolate and sweet spices. Dry and polished with firm tannins. Medium body. Structured and complete. Juicy and fruit-forward on the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 91
JUNE 2022
Badia a Coltibuono “Montebello” Toscana IGT 2016
Sweet berries, meat and grilled citrus on the nose. Some crushed cement, too. Medium body, bright acidity, light tannins and a juicy finish. Very minerally and citrusy. From organically grown, native Tuscan grapes. Drink now. 92
JULY 2021
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2019
Plenty of dark cherry and wet earth with some walnut and dark-mushroom undertones. It’s medium-bodied with chewy, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. This can improve with age. Drink or hold. |