The 2023 Chianti Classico RS Cultusboni is a very beautiful, elegant wine. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins exalt the vibrant freshness of Sangiovese fruit. Readers will find a Chianti Classico that exudes finesse from start to 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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92
JULY 2025
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2023
![]() The 2023 Chianti Classico RS Cultusboni is a very beautiful, elegant wine. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins exalt the vibrant freshness of Sangiovese fruit. Readers will find a Chianti Classico that exudes finesse from start to finish. 94
JULY 2025
Badia a Coltibuono “Montebello” Toscana IGT 2019
![]() The 2019 Montebello is a blend of Sangiovese, Colorino and Malvasia Nera. Dark, ample and quite potent, the 2019 packs a pretty intense punch. Black cherry, dried herbs, leather, incense and pipe tobacco saturate the palate. This full-bodied Sangiovese-based red has a lot to offer. 90
NOVEMBER 2025
La Badia Chill Ya Jolo Ciliegiolo Toscana IGT 2024
![]() Here's a new fun summer red that could be served a few degrees chilled. Made in stainless steel only, the Badia a Coltibuono 2024 Ciliegiolo Chill Ya Jolo Labadia reveals a magic-potion-like color with cranberry juice redness and purple background hues. The bouquet is charming and simple with wild cherry and blueberry. Its structure is lean, but the wine ends with food-friendly freshness. I have a soft spot for wines like this, especially ones that feature Ciliegiolo, one of my favorite newly rediscovered Tuscan grapes. This quick-drinking wine has a 20,000-bottle release. 90
JANUARY 2026
La Badia Chill Ya Jolo Ciliegiolo Toscana IGT 2024
![]() The 2024 Ciliegiolo is 100% Ciliegiolo presented in a clear, Burgundy-shaped bottle. It’s a fun, juicy red to drink over the warm summer months, ideally with a light chill. Don't look for anything fancy or deep. That said, the 2024 is a delight. 93
SEPTEMBER 2025
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2020
![]() With a library collection that dates back to 1937, Badia a Coltibuono's Riserva is the estate's most historic bottling. Quantities were down in 2020 due in part to hot and dry conditions in the summer, but the wine's signature elegance endures. Demure and pretty, it entices with lilac, thyme blossom and tobacco. There's a sense of weightlessness, though no lack of flavour or density. Lavender-tinged ripe cherry is hemmed in by tight tannins. Classic but not dusty-and certainly not chasing any trends -this may not be the longest-lived edition but it's so appetisingly drinkable now. Organic. 91
JANUARY 2026
La Badia Cetamura Chianti DOCG 2023
![]() This has a savory character with crushed red berries, dried herbs, hints of grapefruit peel and wet stones. Medium-bodied, vibrant and crunchy with a touch of white pepper, dusty tannins and a tense Julicy profile. Appealing and easy to drink. Enjoy now or hold. 92
SEPTEMBER 2025
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2022
![]() Made since 1972, Badia a Coltibuono's ambassador bottling remains as true to its style as it does to expression of place. It always includes small but varying proportions of Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. As evocatively scented as ever, the 2022 wafts with strawberry blossom, rose, mint and fennel. The palate is midweight and linear, with a profusion of minerals ricocheting from the red cherry and pomegranate backdrop. Powdery tannins provide a sophisticated backbone that grips securely on the finish without imposing. Organic. 93
OCTOBER 2024
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2021
![]() Made primarily with organically farmed Sangiovese as well as a small percentage of other red native grapes, the 2021 Chianti Classico from storied producer Badia a Coltibuono delivers savory flavors of crushed raspberry, fleshy cherry, cake spice, violet, wild herb and blood orange. Elegant tannins and bright acidity keep it well balanced. Drink through 2028. |
