Deep ruby color; cherry, raspberry, plum, strawberry, dried herbs, cedar, leather, chocolate on the nose and palate.
Dry; amiable, round tannins and acidity. Medium body. Simple, straightforward. Blend of 95% sangiovese, 5% merlot. Maceration on the skins for 12-14 days, full malolactic conversion. Aged in Slavonian and French oak barrels for 6-10 months, followed by 30 days in bottle before release. This is competent, inoffensive effort, a safe choice at an Italian restaurant such as Olive Garden. 14.5% ABV
Rocca delle Macie and the Zingarelli family is a fascinating story. Italo Zingarelli was born in 1930. During his university years studying mathematics and physics, he also developed a passion for boxing. He reached the finals of the Italian middleweight/heavyweight championship. In 1949, he was an extra in the Hollywood epic Quo Vadis. He married Maria Laura Spano—a lifetime marriage—and had three children Fabio, Sandra, and Sergio.
Following Quo Vadis, Italo established himself as a stuntman, then as a movie producer. Italo made two “Spaghetti Westerns.” Trinity Is Still My Name became the highest grossing Italian film up to that time. Despite this and other film successes, Italo yearned to be a winemaker. On a whim and a handshake, he obtained a vineyard in the early 1970s, then added to it. In a practice unheard of at the time, he converted some of the buildings on the property into homes for the winery workers and paid them regular salaries, saying they were part of the family.
Rocca delle Macie hit the market in 1978. He emphasized wine that was affordable and could be enjoyed with a meal. This effort conforms to that vision—fruit-forward, velvety in the mouth, reserved tannins. In 1985, Italo’s youngest son, Sergio, decided after finishing business school he wanted to build the winery enterprise with his wife Danniela and sister Sandra. Beginning in the 1990s, the second generation elevated the winery’s quality and production. In 2012, Sergio was elected president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico.
Today, the third generation, Sergio and Daniela’s children, Andrea and Giulia, along with nephew Fabio are assuming operations. The Zingarelli family represents a convergence of winemaking and cinema success—not unlike the Coppola family in the United States.
Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2022 is a competent, graceful, juicy, fruity, simple Chianti Classico that will not disappoint, but does not bring significant depth or complexity. A very serviceable table wine for casual quaffing, especially with Italian food. $21
Pairing—Pasta dishes are natural fit; tomato-based sauces, pasta bolognese, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, marinara-based dishes; pizza with simple, rustic toppings. Grilled, roasted meats, bistecca alla fioretina (Tuscan grilled steak), grilled lamb with rosemary, garlic, oregano; wild game, venison, wild boar. Cheese—Parmigiano-reggiano, aged parmesan, pecorino toscano, aged asiago. Secondary pairing, grana padano, provolone piccante, pecorino romano, aged cheddar, colby.
Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli website
