TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO Tuscany's finest Chianti, Supertuscan, Merlot and Vin Santo on SALE!!!
“Wine was born, not invented … like an old friend, it continues to surprise us in new and unexpected ways.”
- Dr. Salvatore P. Lucia, quoted in Bottled Wisdom, compiled and edited by Mark Pollman, 1998.
Today, you can still find some of the top wines from Italy from some of the best producers at a reasonable price tag and reasonable for a top-level wine to me is $150 or less. I am not saying that $150 is cheap for a good bottle of wine but it is cheap when you look at collectible wines today and that means wines that you can cellar for 20+ years or more. Some of the top “cult” wines of Italy like the Percarlo and the La Ricolma from Tenuta San Guisto a Rentennano are very limited and among the best wines of their type and style and they cost ½ the price of the same quality wines that you can find in Napa Valley, Bordeaux or Burgundy.
It seems like an even better value when you look at the fact that this producer has been around for over 1000 years!! This property has a very long history and the family that owns it today is serious about making it the best estate in all of Tuscany making every single wine in their line-up with the same attention to detail. Check out their Chianti Classico for a taste of what the estate is all about and then you can get into the Le Baroncole Riserva which is like a Chianti on Steroids! If you are interested in the La Ricolma or the Percarlo these are very limited and in some vintages like 2018 and 2019 we only get 24 bottles! But check out the 2019 Chianti Classico it is as good as anything made in Tuscany at $40 a bottle.
New Releases from one of our favorite small producers in Tuscany
2019 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO
Price: $47.00 Your Price: $41.36 Quantity in Stock: 38
WINERY NOTES: San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo grapes, hand-picked when perfectly mature. It is fermented in glazed concrete and stainless steel vats for about 14 days. During fermentation the skins and must are pumped-over and punched-down a number of times to extract the maximum qualities from the grapes. After the wine has been racked , the skins are soft-pressed in an horizontal press and the juice thus obtained is added to the wine. Malolactic fermentation is stimulated by heating the building where the vats are stored. The wine is racked several time during maturation in cask and 500 liters oak tonneaux for 10-12 months.
(92 points) Outer quote mark The organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2019 Chianti Classico is another excellent buy from a tight group of iconic Tuscan wine estates. This vintage, made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, is pure and tonic in character. There are clearly etched aromas of blueberry, wild cherry, limestone and crushed stone. These are essential aromas to any traditional expression of Chianti Classico, and this wine delivers them with terrific simplicity and balance. Fruit is sourced from across a 30-hectare vineyard with south-facing exposures. (ML) Inner quote mark (10/2021) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO
Price: $45.00 Your Price: $39.60 Quantity in Stock: 25
(93 points) The 2018 Chianti Classico is a textbook expression from the appellation. This Sangiovese-based wine shows latitude and depth with elegant aromas of wild berry, forest floor, dried blueberry, honey, lavender and rosemary essence. There are hints of chalk or crushed limestone that recall the unique soils of the Gaiole in Chianti growing region. The tannins are elegantly integrated, and the wine offers enough natural freshness to pair with a hearty pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale. Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Issue # 250 - Aug 2020)
2017 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO
Price: $46.00 Your Price: $40.48
(91 points) Outer quote mark The 2017 Chianti Classico (made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo) is a saturated and rich red wine with a terrific sense of life and vitality. The quality of fruit is polished, delineated and sharp. Red and purple berry aromas mingle with light toast, spice and crushed limestone. This wine boasts beautiful primary fruit and makes every effort to flaunt it. The tannins are present, you won't forget them, but there is enough texture and succulence to wash over any leftover sharpness or astringency. Serve it with an appetizer of meatballs and rosemary focaccia. Some 41,500 bottles were made. 91+ (ML) Inner quote mark (9/2019) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2014 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO
Price: $48.50 Your Price: $42.68
La Ricolma is made from 100% Merlot grapes especially selected from prime vineyards and hand-picked when perfectly mature. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks for about 18 days, then racked and pressed. After it is racked once again, the wine is left to mature for 20-22 months in French oak barriques. It is bottled unfiltered and held in bottle for another 6 months before being released.
2018 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO MERLOT TOSCANA LA RICOLMA
Price: $286.00 Your Price: $251.68 Quantity in Stock: 7
(97 Points) The San Giusto a Rentennano 2018 La Ricolma is an absolute stunner. This iconic expression of Merlot opens to rich and velvety concentration with lots of black intensity. Italians might call it "una bomba," or a veritable bomb of fruity bounty and beauty. The organic grapes are fermented in steel over 18 days and aged in French barrique for up to 22 months. This rather straightforward winemaking methodology results in profound fruit purity and persistence. The tannins are still tight and grippy, and this is a more controversial point that I discovered across many of the wines I tasted from 2018. You'll need to give this wine more time to evolve and soften. Production is 5,994 bottles, 315 magnums and 33 double magnums. October 2021 Week 1, The Wine Advocate
Winery Notes: La Ricolma is made from 100% Merlot grapes especially seclected from prime vineyards and hand-picked when perfectly mature. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks for about 18 days, then racked and pressed. After it is racked once again, the wine is left to mature for 20-22 months in French oak barriques. It is bottled and held for another 6 months before being released.
2018 Vintage Notes: A fairly rainy spring season, more so during May and June. Even temperatures up to mid September -no peaks above the average registered - gave way to a ripening of slightly late beginnings, though steadily protracted. Rather warm weather was experienced thereafter, with steep temperature excursions favouring a fast rounding up of the fruit. The climate pattern was similar to that of year 2016, to the point that harvesting was carried out at the same time in both cases. The resulting wine proves nicely fresh and concentrated. Thinning out effected in two turns; approximately 40% of the initial spontaneous fruit load was discarded in total.
2014 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO MERLOT TOSCANA LA RICOLMA
Price: $247.50 Your Price: $217.80 Quantity in Stock: 1
(96 points) Outer quote mark The 2014 La Ricolma (100% Merlot) is something of a minor miracle and a masterpiece in its own right. The wine is sumptuously textured and beautifully rich. It soothes the palate with its dark fruit intensity and sensual flavors of spice and toast that increase in intensity with each delicious sip. The bouquet peels off in thick layers, revealing Morello cherry, leather, black olive and moist chewing tobacco. Only 5,150 bottles were produced, and no matter what you've heard about the 2014 vintage, this wine is definitely worth your consideration. (ML) 96+ points. Inner quote mark (10/2017) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO TOSCANA 3 LITER
Price: $876.00 Your Price: $770.88
2018 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO (MAGNUM)
Price: $372.00 Your Price: $327.36
2018 TENUTA SAN GUISTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO
Price: $180.00 Your Price: $158.40
Percarlo is made from 100% estate grown Sangiovese grapes, especially selected bunch per bunch, from the best zones of our vineyards, which have a low yield of 1 Kg grapes per vine. The grapes are usually allowed to mature beyond the normal degree of ripeness. Fermentation and maceration take place in enameled cement vats and last up to 35 days. The yeasts produced are natural. Percarlo is aged in French oak barriques for 20-22 months, bottled unfiltered and held in bottle for another 18 months before being released. The grapes which go into the making of Percarlo are selected, bunch per bunch, from vineyards whose soil dates predominately to the Pliocene epoch. It is composed of layers of sand and stones which lie 2 to 5 meters deep and rest on beds of clay. The vineyards are situated at an average altitude of 270 meters above sea level. Notwithstanding the variations from year to year which occur in every wine faithful to its terroir, each vintage of Percarlo possesses constant characteristics which give it a precise, recognizeable identity. It is a wine with long ageing potential, a robust expression of the San Giusto a Rentennano terroir
2017 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO IGT TUSCANY
Price: $212.00 Your Price: $186.56 Quantity in Stock: 11
(95 points) Outer quote mark This red is saturated with blackberry, black currant, violet, iron and spice flavors. Powerful tannins lend support and this finishes with lingering fruit and rustic tannins, with terrific length. (BS) Inner quote mark (6/2021) Wine Spectator
2016 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO TUSCANY MAGNUM
Price: $329.00 Your Price: $289.52 Quantity in Stock: 2
2016 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO IGT TUSCANY
Price: $254.00 Your Price: $223.52
(99 Points) The 2016 Percarlo captures all of the beauty it has always shown in the cellar. Pliant, silky and exceptionally polished, the 2016 simply has it all. Freshly cut flowers, rose petal, mint, spice and blood orange add striking aromatic nuance to a core of brilliant Sangiovese fruit. Powerful and ample, with superb aromatic lift, the 2016 Percarlo is exceptionally beautiful and moving from the very first taste. A whole range of floral and mineral notes extend the finish effortless. The tannins need time to soften, so readers should plan on at least a few years of cellaring. In a word: compelling. Vinous
2015 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO TOSCANA 3 LITER
Price: $1038.00 Your Price: $913.44
2015 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO TOSCANA MAGNUM
Price: $460.00 Your Price: $404.80 Quantity in Stock: 3
2015 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO TOSCANA
Price: $224.00 Your Price: $197.12 Quantity in Stock: 1
(98 points) The 2015 Percarlo, the estate's 100% Sangiovese, towers in the glass with huge, dark fruit to match its powerful, vertical structure. Ample and expansive on the palate, with huge textural depth, the 2015 is a total stunner. The darker, more muscular side of Sangiovese emerges in this gorgeous, absolutely stunning wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice and smoke overtones fill out the wine's big frame effortlessly. Proprietor Luca Martini di Cigala aged the 2015 in a combination of cask and tonneau. The 2015 Percarlo is a riveting wine readers will not want to miss. Vinous Media
2014 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO IGT TUSCANY
Price: $180.00 Your Price: $158.40 Quantity in Stock: 1
(92 Points) The 2014 Percarlo is a pure expression of Sangiovese made from organically farmed grapes. This is a dark and penetrating wine that actually tastes riper, darker and thicker than you might expect of this cool and difficult vintage. The alcohol here is 15%. Black cherry and dried blackberry segue to spice, leather, tar and grilled herb. Despite those bold and opulent fruit flavors, the wine shows moderate complexity and depth. It offers a lot in terms of muscle and power, but it's ultimately more monosyllabic in this vintage. Bottle production was 13,817 units strong. 239, The Wine Advocate
Winery Notes: Percarlo is made from 100% estate grown Sangiovese grapes, especially selected bunch per bunch, from the best zones of our vineyards, which have a low yield of 1 Kg grapes per vine. The grapes are usually matured to an extra degree of ripeness. Fermentation and maceration take place using natural yeasts in enameled concrete vats for as long as 35 days. Percarlo is aged in French oak barrels for 20-22 months and kept in bottled for another 18 months before being released. The grapes which go into the making of Percarlo are selected, bunch per bunch, from vineyards whose soil dates predominately to the Pliocene epoch. It is composed of layers of sand and stones which lie 2 to 5 meters deep and rest on beds of clay. The vineyards are situated at an average altitude of 270 meters above sea level. Notwithstanding the variations from year to year which occur in every wine faithful to its terroir, each vintage of Percarlo possesses constant characteristics which give it a precise, recognizeable identity. It is a wine with long ageing potential, a robust expression of the San Giusto a Rentennano terroir.
2013 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO IGT TUSCANY
Price: $208.25 Your Price: $183.26 Quantity in Stock: 9
(98 points) Outer quote mark A wine of extraordinary finesse, the 2013 Percarlo is utterly magnificent. Creamy and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2013 speaks to finesse more than the power and explosiveness that is often found here. With time in the glass, the mid-palate fleshes out and the flavors gain in intensity and darkness. When young, Percarlo is often forbiddingly tannic, but the gradual move towards larger format barrels and casks has, among other things, given the wine much more textural elegance. I can't wait to see how it ages. This is one of the most complete and strikingly beautiful wines of the vintage. (AG) Inner quote mark (10/2016) Vinous
2012 SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO IGT TUSCANY
Price: $196.50 Your Price: $172.92
2012 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO (MAGNUM)
Price: $305.00 Your Price: $268.40 Quantity in Stock: 4
(95 Points) Due to the very hot growing season, the 2012 Percarlo shows slightly evolved and spicy aromas of tobacco and leather on first nose. This pure expression of Sangiovese from the cooler Gaiole in Chianti sub zone is aged in French oak for 22 months. The wine expresses a dark and savory side of the mighty Tuscan grape with dark fruit, plum and dried blackberry. Yet, there is enormous depth and beauty here. Balsam and menthol notes appear on the close and the wine's finish can be counted in many long minutes. The mouthfeel has some areas of sharpness and edginess that will soften with time. -ML Wine Advocate
Percarlo is made from 100% estate grown Sangiovese grapes, especially selected bunch per bunch, from the best zones of their estate vineyards, which have a low yield of 1 Kg grapes per vine.
The grapes are usually allowed to mature beyond the normal degree of ripeness. Fermentation and maceration take place in enameled cement vats and last up to 35 days. The yeasts produced are natural.
Percarlo is aged in French oak barriques for 20-22 months, bottled unfiltered and held in bottle for another 18 months before being released. The grapes which go into the making of Percarlo are selected, bunch per bunch, from vineyards whose soil dates predominately to the Pliocene epoch.
It is composed of layers of sand and stones which lie 2 to 5 meters deep and rest on beds of clay. The vineyards are situated at an average altitude of 270 meters above sea level. Notwithstanding the variations from year to year which occur in every wine faithful to its terroir, each vintage of Percarlo possesses constant characteristics which give it a precise, recognizable identity.
It is a wine with long ageing potential, a robust expression of the San Giusto a Rentennano terroir.
2011 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO PERCARLO (MAGNUM)
Price: $305.00 Your Price: $268.40 Quantity in Stock: 1
(97 Points) The 2011 Percarlo is one of the most beautiful, expressive young Percarlos I have ever tasted. Fine, silky and exceptionally polished, the 2011 boast stunning textural depth and richness. Absolutely nothing is out of place in this super-sexy, racy, Percarlo. Once again San Giusto has elevated Sangiovese to a lofty, rarified level. Readers who can find the 2011 Percarlo should not hesitate. It is a real stunner. --Antonio Galloni
Vin Santo – The Rarest Dessert Wine in Italy!
2013 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO VIN SANTO (375ML)
Price: $178.50 Your Price: $157.08 Quantity in Stock: 1
2008 TENUTA SAN GIUSTO A RENTENNANO VIN SANTO (375ML)
Price: $168.00 Your Price: $147.84
(95 Points) The 2008 Vin San Giusto is superb. As always, the Vin San Giusto is made in a rich, plush style, but the 2008 is not as opulent as other recent vintages, its 430 grams of residual sugar notwithstanding. Molasses, spices, leather, mint and tobacco are some of the signatures. Lifted aromatics and a kick of acidity on the finish are the hallmarks of a sweet wine made with white grapes, but the weight and overall intensity are much more typical of wines made from red grapes. In fact, I was shocked to learn the 2008 has more sugar than the 2007, a wine from a much warmer vintage! It's a poignant reminder that wines are ultimately about balance rather than single numbers. Vinous Antonio Galloni
A bit about Tenuta San Giusto a Rentennano:
San Giusto a Rentennano, a name of Etruscan origin, overlooks the upper course of the Arbia river in the farthest south Chianti Classico wine zone.
The estate began life as a medieval monastery of Cistercian nuns and was called San Giusto alle Monache (“of the Nuns”).
In 1204 it was fortified by the Florentines, after a treaty established it as their boundry with Siena.
Only portions of the ancient fortification still stand, its crenellated battlements, massive barbican wall and underground vaults, used today as the ageing cellars for our wines.
The medieval estate of San Giusto a Rentennano came into the Martini di Cigala family through marriage in 1914. In 1957, it was inherited by Enrico Martini di Cigala and in 1992, by his nine children. Today Anna, Lucia, Elisabetta, Francesco, Alessandro and Luca are partners in the estate company.
The estate is comprised of 160 hectares, situated at an average altitude of 270 meters above sea level. 31 hectares are planted in vineyards, 11 in olive groves, 40 in woods, 78 in cultivated and grazing lands.
The terrain is composed of various soils rich in different mineral components, sand, clay, lime, alkali, volcanic ash, argil and calcium.
The microclimate is characterized by considerable day and night temperature differences and often heat during harvest time.
All the vineyards enjoy exceptionally favourable exposure. During the months of July and August, we thin-out the natural growth of grape bunches by 30-50%, a practice called “green harvesting ,” which encourages the full and perfect maturation of our grapes.
The estates farming methods remain largely manual and exclusively organic certified.
San Giusto a Rentennano is a family owned estate managed by Elisabetta, Francesco and Luca Martini di Cigala. In 1999, they hired the oenologist, Attilio Pagli, as consultant, and in 2007, the agronomist, Ruggero Mazzilli.