Fresh and sour cherries, raspberries, lemons, slate and cement on the nose. Medium-bodied, crunchy and vibrant with fine tannins and bright acidity. So drinkable now.
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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
JUNE 2022
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2020
Fresh and sour cherries, raspberries, lemons, slate and cement on the nose. Medium-bodied, crunchy and vibrant with fine tannins and bright acidity. So drinkable now. 91
AUGUST 2023
Badia a Coltibuono “Sangioveto di Toscana” Toscana IGT Sangiovese 2018
Clove and savory nutmeg spices to the dried oranges and earthy berries. Linear and medium-weighted on the palate with a crunchy finish where you might find some dried citrus and savory berries. Drink now. 97
MARCH 2024
Badia a Coltibuono “Montebello” Toscana IGT 2018
Top-awarded wine from Decanter World Wine Awards - Laden with striking rose and violet florals and a zing of fresh raspberries which surge onto the beautifully ripe and juicy palate. Spicy, warm and furnished with oaky tannins which support the fleshy vibrant fruit. Outstanding! 92
JULY 2021
Cultusboni “RS” Chianti Classico DOCG 2019
Plenty of dark cherry and wet earth with some walnut and dark-mushroom undertones. It’s medium-bodied with chewy, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. This can improve with age. Drink or hold. 93
JULY 2023
Badia a Coltibuono “Cultus” Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2018
Notes of dried strawberries and cherries with hints of chocolate and sweet spices. Dry and polished with firm tannins. Medium body. Structured and complete. Juicy and fruit-forward on the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 92
SEPTEMBER 2023
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 2014
Notes of citrus marmalade, fig and potpourri, followed by a touch of baking spices. Focused and concentrated palate with pleasing acidity. Good length in the subtle smoky finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. 91
SEPTEMBER 2020
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2018
The 2018 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, enticing wine. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry, pipe tobacco, cedar and mint all grace this exquisite, ethereal Chianti Classico from Coltibuono. All the elements simply fall into place effortlessly. Silky tannins round things out in style. This is such a beguiling Chianti Classico. 95
APRIL 2021
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC Occhio di Pernice 2007
Driven by honey and molasses, the Badia a Coltibuono 2007 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice is a pure beauty. Made with organic fruit, this dessert wine opens to a dark copper color and beautifully intense aromas of dried fruit, fig, honey, brown sugar and maple syrup. There is a vein of heat and warmth there that underlines the sweetness and the ripeness of the fruit. |