Eponymous Terriccio

~ Sunset over the Castello del Terriccio Estate ~

When wine enthusiasts begin thinking of the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, much of the discussion centers around the grand estate of Tenuta San Guido, birthplace of Sassicaia, one of Italy's most famous wines.  Yet tucked away amidst the rolling hills, Mediterranean forests and pastures is the Estate of Castello del Terriccio.

Last month, we spotlighted one of the estate's newest releases, the 2010 Tassinaia, in the first of a series of reviews highlighting the current releases from this wonderful property.   Today we're profiling the wine that simply bears the name of the estate.  

Castello del Terriccio was first produced in the year 2000 and as part of my Feature on the Estate,  I discussed the wine with Guiliana Cavazza; the estate manager at the time.  Working alongside Carlo Ferrini, owner Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana wanted to create a new wine in the style of the Northern Rhones he so admired.  From the first vintage, the wine received the coveted "Tre Bicchieri" from Gambero Rosso and subsequent vintages have continued to impress.

The 2006 Castello del Terriccio is  a stylish blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Petit Verdot and 25% other unnamed varietals.  We decanted the wine about 40 minutes before dinner, but ideally, more time would be good.  

In the glass, the wine is deep garnet color with a slight brick hue at the edge of your eye's gaze.  Aromas are subdued but one can coax smoked meat, leather and black currants with vigorous swirling. 

On the palate, the wine is typical of cool climate Syrah. Think refined Cote Rotie or Crozes Hermitage amped up slightly.  Lots of leather, bacon and black plums combine to form the core of the flavor profile but there is an herbal and fennel note to the finish.  Slightly austere, this excelled with pancetta wrapped, roasted pork tenderloin.  Yet I'm not sure if I've caught this on the upswing or the downswing. It's well balanced and appears to be willing to offer more.  Drink now with 1-2 hours in the decanter or hold 5 years.  92 points.  About $65.  Disclosure:  This bottle was an importer provided sample.

~  Castello del Terriccio is 50% Syrah, 25% Petit Verdot and 25% other red grapes ~

Salute!