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.
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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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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 2023
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2020
Cherry-vanilla notes eventually give way to soil and crushed rocks with herbs poking through on the nose, with the chalky, metallic elements of soil remaining present on the palate to push back against ripe fruit in tandem with tannins that cling to the mouth. 93
JANUARY 2024
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2019
Displaying a youthful red-with-orange color, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is layered with cedar, black raspberry, anise, and tobacco aromas. Medium to full-bodied, it is refreshing without any weight, and its clean acidity is evenly balanced through the wine, with fine tannins that take a pleasing angular feel that’s well-managed. It’s long on the palate, its delicate perfume hovering on the palate after the wine is gone, with notes of bergamot. This very appealing wine will continue to improve with another couple of years in the cellar. Drink 2026-2038. 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. 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. 92
MAY 2023
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 2013
A medium-weight dessert white, evoking caramel, almond paste, brown butter and orange peel flavors. Lively, ending with a lingering, caramel nuttiness. Trebbiano and Malvasia. Drink now through 2040. 666 cases made, 300 cases imported. 91
JANUARY 2024
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2021
A youthful ruby/magenta, the 2021 Chianti Classico is pure, ripe, and inviting with aromas of cherry liqueur, candied roses, and fresh sweet Mediterranean herbs. This wine has wonderful transparency and clarity, with refreshing acidity, snappy lift, and ripe, fine tannins, as well as a stony underpinning and a lovely fresh lift of tomato leaf on the finish. A refreshing and lovely wine, it has much to offer if drinking over the next 6-8 years. 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). |