Toscana IGT Merlot 'Girolamo'

Marco Bacci and his trio of estates have, in the space of twenty years, positioned themselves at the vanguard of Tuscan viticulture. It is well-known that dogs resemble their owners but perhaps less well-known that wines reflect their winemakers. It comes as no surprise to those who have met Marco that his wines display a generous dollop of suave sophistication.  Behind the man, and his wines, however, is more than just chic refinement; there’s fanatical attention to detail supported by technical savvy.

Every choice is evaluated to achieve maximum quality.  From the choice of rootstock (up to six in one vineyard) to the hand-selection of staves at the tonnellerie, nothing is left to chance.  In 2006 Marco made the decision to craft a mono-varietal Chianti Classico and both it and the Riserva ‘Berardo’ are 100% Sangiovese.  Sinewy, decadent and mixing sun-dried tomato, smoke, blackberries and liquorice aged entirely in old oak, it is a stunning example.  Corbaia is a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet aged in 60% new French barriques.  It’s my favourite wine from the estate and it captures the essence of the super-Tuscan: a marriage of France and Italy with the elegance of the former setting off the power of the latter.