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.
MENU
|
WINE LOCATOR
SEARCH
|
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.
|
LOCATIONWINERY: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany VINEYARD: Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
|
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. 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. 90
SEPTEMBER 2023
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2021
This is an organic blend of Tuscan native grapes with 90% Sangiovese and tiny percentages of Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. Representing a big production of 147,000 bottles, the 2021 Chianti Classico is accessible and easy-drinking with mild cherry and dried raspberry followed by almond, blue flower and peat moss. Winemaking is very simple, starting off with spontaneous yeast fermentation and brief aging in large oak casks. You get great value, especially in this classic vintage. 92
NOVEMBER 2020
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico DOCG 2018
Fresh and fragrant, this has vinous aromas of red berry, blue flower and dark culinary spice. The bright savory palate doles out crushed raspberry, red cherry and baking spice alongside vibrant acidity and taut polished tannins. 92
OCTOBER 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. 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. 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
AUGUST 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. |