(Drinking) Under The Tuscan Sun

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Sometimes, tasting wine can be a platform for intrigue, noir and dark romanticism.  The immersiveness of the wines themselves can lend themselves to adventures in the mind only fueled by the next sip of wine.

Our All-star rep Kerri dropped in on us a while back, and tasted us through the Tuscan wines of Castello dei Trebbio and Cascadei.  These terrific reds come to us through the Cline Family, who have launched their importing endeavor with these amazing producers.

The castle that resides on the property of Castello dei Trebbio has existed since the late 1100’s, and was center of the Pazzi Conspiracy, a plot hatched by the owners of the castle in congress with Pope Sixtus IV to “dispatch” two members of the ruling Medici family at the time.  When the plot failed, it was absorbed into the Republic of Florence, where it now is owned by the family of Baj Macario (since 1968).  Meanwhile, Cascadei bears a modern bent, with the Cascadei family planting vines in 1997 and beginning their relationship with Fred and Nancy Cline in 2012.  The old and the new merge in these four wines, evoking a bit of Dante, a bit of Petrarch, and hearts and minds soaring into the Tuscan countryside.

Castello dei Trebbio ‘De Pazzi Rosso Toscana 2011.  Sangiovese with Merlot and Syrah.  Great little “Super-Tuscan” style blend, with bold fruit and spice notes.

Castello dei Trebbio Chianti Superiore DOCG 2014.  Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Ciligielo.  To preface, Chianti Superiore is a designation of production and aging prerequisites.  It needs to see 9 months, 3 of which must be in bottle before it is released.  So this is fairly standard blend, showing off medium-body, bright cherry fruit, hints of dried herbs and a touch of black olive.  A pretty nice red.

Castello dei Trebbio Lastricata Chianti Rufina DOCG 2011.  100% Sangiovese.  Sees a bit more age, and shows off dense, rich red fruits, rosemary, tobacco and clove notes.  It’s a big wine for its DOCG status, and gives you layers of flavor with each and every sip.

Cascadei Sogno Mediterraneo 2014.  A Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend from Tuscany?  Yes you read that right.  This thing is gorgeous.  Dense, thick, gamy red and blue fruits, with hints of roasted herbs, bitter chocolate and tobacco leaf.  It’s a pretty sexy wine.