Juicy with dark fruit and bold without being obnoxious (especially after decanting or some air time in a glass). Grows more impressive on the mid-palate and extended finish. Good complexity for a wine at this price point. $25-33
Located in the village of Gaiole, halfway between Florence and Siena in the heart of Tuscany, Tenuta Perano is an estate (“tenuta” is Italian for “estate” and is roughly similar to French “château” in wine terminology). The Perano location is in a natural amphitheater of steep, stony slopes at 1,640 feet with south-southwest exposure to capture heat and light. The elevation helps intensify the diurnal swing where cooler nights encourage acidity to balance tannins and ripeness created during the daytime heat. In short, an excellent place to grow Sangiovese, as this wine reflects.
The 2022 vintage saw a harsh winter with plenty of rainfall. Spring was mild, budbreak even and slightly early. Veraison was slightly early. Summer was hot, but graced with two rainfalls in August. That combination produced intense aromas and rich tannins. The August rains softened the tannins. In all, an excellent year at the estate.
Members of the Frescobaldi family have been major players in Florence and Tuscany for more than 700 years. They began producing wine in Tuscany in 1308; some of their customers included Michelangelo and Henry VIII. At the high point of medieval Florence, the family spread its influence as bankers, earning the title of treasurer to the English crown. Later, with the flowering of the Renaissance, they became patrons of major works in Florence, including construction of the Santa Trinita bridge and the Basilica of Santo Spirito. Foreshadowing the Super Tuscan revolution, they began planting Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot vines in the region in 1855.
In 2007, Lamberto Frescobaldi, the 30th generation of the family, became vice president and oversaw the renewal of the estates in the family’s extensive portfolio. In 2013, Lamberto became president of the company, taking over from his uncle Leonardo. Lamberto studied at UC-Davis and has worked to modernize the company and expand in the U.S. and other markets since the late 1980s. You have a good chance of finding this wine in better wine stores and online.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico DOCG 2022: Deep ruby-purple color; sour cherry, black cherry, raspberry, red plum, blackberry, black pepper, violets, tea leaf, tobacco, subtle spice on the nose and palate.
Dry (2.1 g/L RS); medium-plus tannins; medium-plus acidity. Medium body, somewhat taut, linear on pop-and-pour, becomes smooth and velvety with air; consider decanting. Blend of 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. Matured 12 months in oak barriques and stainless steel. 14% ABV
Pairing—Tomato-based pasta and pizza; grilled steak (ribeye, sirloin, bistecca alla fiorentina); braised or slow-cooked red meats (lamb or beef ragù); porchetta; veal ribs with mushrooms; mushroom non-meat dishes. Avoid delicate fish, shellfish, and spicy dishes as they can overwhelm delicate seafood and amplify chili heat. Cheese—Aged, hard, salty cheeses; aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano also Taleggio, Fontina, aged Asiago, moderately aged Manchego.
Frescobaldi website, rich with photos and videos
