From the Hills of Siena...

~ Picturesque San Gimignano in the Evening ~

 

With the memories of Italy still fresh in our minds,  so vivid that at times, we have trouble setting them aside,  we recently re-kindled thoughts of a wonderful afternoon spent in the hills North West of Siena.  

 

The Campochiarenti vineyards lie high atop a ridge midway between San Gimignano and Poggibonsi.  It's a small, artisan estate run by Proprietor Daniele Rossi who is hands on at every stage of production.  Over the last few nights, we re-visited a wine that we first tasted with winemaker Daniele; but in this case, we consumed the bottle over a relaxing late summer meal. 

 

Get the Recipe pictured below here:  Tuscan Beans with Shrimp & Greens

~ Tuscan Beans & Shrimp:  The latest rendition of this Recipe features baby Kale & Crostini ~

 

With the above meal, we opened a bottle of Campochiarenti's 2012 Chianti Colli Senesi.  A wonderful workhorse red,  this wine is 85% Sangiovese with the balance of the blend dedicated to other legally allowed grapes. A little bird has told me it's mostly Canaiolo with a smattering of Cabernet. 

 

The wine was impressive in Tuscany and this bottle was equally enjoyable.  It's a beautiful dark violet color with purple highlights. The aroma of the wine is full of crushed berries and flowers with a hint of minerality.  On the palate, this is juicy and fresh.  Medium bodied - it required a little breathing before the flavors fleshed out.  When I initially removed it from the cellar, it was too cold.  As it warmed, it plumped up and displayed pretty flavors of crushed cherry, spice and powdery tannins.  This drinks well now.   I wouldn't cellar it long.  It's an amazing value and can be found for as low as $8 Euro.  Give it 30 minutes in a decanter before enjoying.  88 points. 

~ Chianti Colli Senesi from Campochiarenti ~

Salute!