WEEK 28 WINE: A 93-point Chianti not to miss


Teunta Arceno Chianti Classico 2017

2017 was a one-of-a-kind vintage.  An incredibly hot August brought the grapes close to ripeness.  Then, as it happens in Toscana, the rain came in quickly and in one day the season changed from summer to fall.  September cooled off allowing the Sangiovese to fully ripen, slowly and perfectly.  The weather conditions brought low yields with deep concentration.  It is a powerful Chianti Classico with big, bright fruit and high acidity.  The aromas display ripe berries, roses and vanilla bean with undertones of cypress and white pepper.  On the palate, there is a soft entry while the finish shows tart citrus character with hints of black licorice and clove.

 

Recognition:

Tre Biccheri- The 2017 vintage was granted this elite status by the Gambero Rosso.  This winery continues to garner more and more acclaim due to the magical orchestration of varietal composition by a stellar wine making team.

James Suckling, 93pts – “This shows beautiful freshness and poise, thanks to vivid dark cherries and bright herbs. Medium body with fine-grained tannins, loads of tangy fruit and a finely tuned yet structured finish. Salty aftertaste. Delicious.”

 

Tenuta di Arceno is quintessential Tuscany, located in the southernmost corner of Chianti Classico between the cities of Siena and Florence in Castelnuovo Berardenga.  Taken from the Etruscan word “arche”, to refer to an origin or something that was in the beginning, Tenuta di Arceno pays homage to the century’s old history of the land which is both the source and inspiration for its wines.  The property covers 2,500 acres of rolling hills, lush green forests, ancient Cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards and medieval stone castles.  It’s not unusual to see wild boar roaming the property.

In convergence with its history and forward-thinking spirit, the winery is dedicated equally to the production of Chianti Classico DOCG and Toscana IGT wines.  The estate was purchased by wine entrepreneur Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines in 1994, after Barbara Banke visited and fell in love with the region. 

Jackson Family Wines’ Vigneron Pierre Seillan immediately recognized the potential of this historic estate.  Over the next two decades, he replanted the vineyards into tiny micro-crus, divvying the vineyard block into smaller sections based on the individual terrior & soil types, featuring clones best suited for its terroir.  As a result, the estate is considered one of the premier estates in the Chianti Classico region.