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.
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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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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. 93
AUGUST 2021
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2018
![]() Though ripe and lush, this is also dense, with pointed tannins giving a physical sensation and lifting the cherry, strawberry and floral flavors. Finds a nice youthful equilibrium in the end, where mouthwatering acidity roams. Best from 2023 through 2038. 92
NOVEMBER 2019
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2017
![]() Lovely purity of fruit here, which ranges from citrus to hibiscus to bright herbs and raspberries. Medium-bodied but spicy and serious, knitting a finely woven texture of tannins and fruit together in harmonious style. Drink now. 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. 95
MARCH 2022
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2017
![]() This savory, full-bodied red opens with inviting scents of new leather, wild berries, truffle and blue flowers. Polished and delicious, the juicy palate doles out raspberry compote, mature Marasca cherry, baking spice and mocha. Fine-grained, enveloping tannins provide seamless support. Drink through 2027. 93
APRIL 2021
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2016
![]() The Badia a Coltibuono 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Cultus Boni is an organic wine from one of the most consistent and productive estates in Gaiole in Chianti. The wine is grounded in fresh primary fruit with wild cherry, blackberry and some faint dustings of exotic spice, toasted nut, crushed stone and dried flowers. You also get hints of lavender, sage and dried mint. Cultus Boni is one of the most terroir-driven wines of this subzone (and the price point is excellent). 92
JULY 2019
Badia a Coltibuono “Sangioveto di Toscana” Toscana IGT Sangiovese 2015
![]() This is a very subtle Tuscan red with some reduction, but opening up (upon decanting) to red cherries, red plums, citrus and cedar. Medium-bodied and lightly woven, it appears quite savory and reserved, but also has some rather powerful tannins thrown in the mix. A quirky, traditional-style wine. Drink now 91
NOVEMBER 2021
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2019
![]() Primarily Sangiovese with a small percentage of indigenous red varieties. Beautiful pale garnet; aromas of wild strawberry, red raspberry and turmeric. Medium-full with beautiful Sangiovese purity, very good acidity, medium-weight tannins, subtle wood notes and very good persistence. Excellent complexity and a great deal of character for this category. Enjoyable now but will improve for 3-5 years; peak in 6-7 years. |