It goes without saying that Tuscany, Italy is one of the world’s finest wine regions. Rich, deep reds dominate the wide array of offerings, including such notable wine regions as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, all of which are made primarily with Sangiovese grapes. And while Terlato importers know how to pick great wines from many areas, their Tuscan picks are especially appealing. They recently sent samples of some wines from the vineyards of Cecchi for review. And it’s with pleasure we commend these wines for your consideration.
Cecchi was one of the first wineries in Tuscany and has one of the largest vineyard holdings in the area. The Cecchi family has long been a proponent of the Sangiovese grape and was at the forefront of promoting the varietal worldwide. Since 1893, each successive generation of the family has been an integral part of the historical development of Italian wine, bringing the gifts of the grape in less than a century from a peasant’s food to a quintessential domestic brand, known and appreciated throughout the world. Today, Andrea and Cesare Cecchi dedicate themselves to showing the love that’s apparent in their wines, and also expressing that love by respecting the earth with sustainable growing practices and water conservation investments.
Cecchi Sangiovese di Toscana 2013 (~$15) is very fresh Tuscany wine fermented only in stainless steel tanks (no oak barrels). It’s a violet-red color with bright aromas of ripe raspberry and red fruits and fruit-forward flavors of raspberry, cranberry and plum. YUM! Perfect with spaghetti, pizza and pasta.
In the white wine category, Cecchi La Mora Vermentino Maremma Toscana 2014 (~$20) makes ideal use of the lightness of the Vermentino grape, in combination with the warmth and specific soils of the sun-drenched Tuscan coast. This lovely pale-straw-colored white wine is fresh and fragrant with yellow flowers and hints of just-crushed summer fruits. Its rich taste, persistent flavor and savory finish make it a joy to drink – even if you’re only dreaming of sun-drenched beaches.
A fresh Chianti in the traditional Classico style, Cecchi Chianti Classico 2012 (~$21) is fermented in stainless for a longer period than the Sangiovese, which produces an intensely flavorful wine with a nice acidity and a reassuringly good structure. Great with all traditional Italian dishes. You’ll feel like pulling out your red-checked tablecloth, for sure.
In the ultra-premium category (read this about wine pricing categories), Cecchi Riserva di Famiglia 2010 (~$41) makes an outstanding Chianti Classico. Like most Riservas, this wine is only produced in vintage years that are deemed to have exceptionally favorable conditions. This vintage, according to the tasting notes, has a complex aromatic quality of dried flowers and spices giving way to hints of earthiness and tobacco. A great one to lay down in your cellar, but lovely right now. And so delicious with anything you can imagine.
In the luxury category, Cecchi Coevo 2011 (~$106) is the kind of wine that makes you glad you’re alive. Andrea and Cesare say, “We have created a wine expressing our concept of elegance, style and quality. We have named it Coevo (contemporary) because it conveys the value of time.” A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot, each varietal is fermented separately on its own in small tanks. Then the blend is created and aged in oak for 18 months with a further 12 months in the bottle. The wine, a vivid red with deeper hues, has a decisive yet delicate aroma with hints of wild laurel and licorice root. It tastes lively and rich with red fruits and spices intertwined with delicate oak influences. Only 200 cases of this special wine were produced. It’s a gorgeous way to celebrate a fabulous meal or an anniversary or any important occasion. Your taste buds – and your heart – will thank you long after you’ve finished the bottle.