DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARD 2022 SILVER MEDAL. Intense red cherry and vanilla with some dark coffee hints. Somewhat old-fashioned in style but juicy, with a long finish.
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There are few other wineries anywhere that have such an aura of vinicultural history as that of Badia a Coltibuono. In Europe, it is not too difficult to find wineries that have origins dating back one, two, three, even five centuries, but the edifice at Badia a Coltibuono has been watching over winemaking for almost a thousand years—and the building was constructed long after wine was first made on the property. Grapeseeds and amphorae from the first century A.D. Roman period—evidence of wine production—have been found at an archaeological dig on the property, and even earlier ruins from the wine-savvy Etruscan culture are present as well.
That is not to say that Badia a Coltibuono was designed specifically as a winery all those years ago. It was established as an abbey (badia) in 1051 by St. Giovanni Gualberto, the founder of the Vallumbrosan Order of Benedictine monks. Of course, wine production was an important element of monastical life, and the Vallumbrosans may have been the first to cultivate Sangiovese in Tuscany. The abbey’s name, Coltibuono, can be translated as “Good Cultivation” or “Good Harvest,” perhaps indicating the importance of viticulture there.
Today, the Badia a Coltibuono estate in the Chianti Classico commune of Gaiole in Chianti is led by the fifth generation of family members: Emanuela, Paolo, and Roberto Stucchi Prinetti. There are 150 acres of vineyards on the property, along with another 50 acres of olive trees. This being Chianti Classico, Sangiovese is naturally the most important grape variety planted. However, the family honors Chianti’s heritage by also keeping significant numbers of vines of other traditional varieties that are allowed but often omitted in Chianti Classico: Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Foglia Tonda, Malvasia Nera, Mammolo, Pugnitello, and Sanforte (as well as Trebbiano and Malvasia for Vin Santo). From these building blocks, Badia a Coltibuono makes a robust range of wines from the traditional to the innovative.
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LOCATIONWINERY: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany VINEYARD: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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JUNE 2022
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2017
![]() DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARD 2022 SILVER MEDAL. Intense red cherry and vanilla with some dark coffee hints. Somewhat old-fashioned in style but juicy, with a long finish. 90
SEPTEMBER 2022
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2020
![]() Rich and vibrant, this red evokes black cherry, plum, earth, iron and spice flavors. Nicely balanced, with dense, integrated tannins lining the finish. Drink now through 2026. 6,700 cases made, 4,800 cases imported. 90
MARCH 2022
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2019
![]() Savory and enjoyable, this pretty red offers aromas of woodland berries, tilled earth and leather. On the tangy, easygoing palate, lithe tannins and fresh acidity accompany juicy Morello cherry, black plum and star anise. Drink through 2023. 91
AUGUST 2020
Cultusboni "Colmaia" Organic Sangiovese Toscana IGT 2019
![]() A typical sangiovese with cherry and walnut aromas and flavors. Medium body, light tannins and a fresh finish. Lemon-zest undertones. From organically grown grapes. 95
OCTOBER 2020
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 2011
![]() A nutty, succulent style, this features apricot, caramel, brown butter and walnut aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced, with bracing acidity countering the oily texture. Wonderful harmony and length. Drink now through 2032. 750 cases made, 300 cases imported. 90
NOVEMBER 2020
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2018
![]() Best Buy! Bright and savory, this has aromas of black-skinned fruit, moist earth and blue flower. Soft and easy-drinking, the medium-bodied palate offers mature Marasca cherry, star anise and ground clove alongside smooth polished tannins. Drink through 2023. 92
NOVEMBER 2021
Badia a Coltibuono “Sangioveto di Toscana” Toscana IGT Sangiovese 2015
![]() Sangioveto (originally “San Zoveto”) was the common name for the Sangiovese varietal in the past. 100% Sangiovese from Monti in Chianti, a frazione of Gaiole in Chianti; unlike other wines from this producer, this wine was aged in French barriques. Morel cherry, cumin and tobacco aromas. Medium-full, with more noticeable oak aromas, there are medium-full tannins, good acidity and very good persistence. Give this 2-3 years to round out; peak in 7-10 years. 90
JULY 2022
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2020
![]() "SMART BUY" Rich and vibrant, this red evokes black cherry, plum, earth, iron and spice flavors. Nicely balanced, with dense, integrated tannins lining the finish. Drink now through 2026. 6,700 cases made; 4,800 cases imported. |