A Rare And Unusual Treat. Plus Some.

It was both an honor and a genuine privilege to sit down with one of Chianti Classico's legends, Emanuela Stucchi Prinetti, the Presidente of the historic Badia a Coltibuono winery in Tuscany. Truth be told, it only took a few moments for us to develop an instant *crush* on her (we confess this can happen easily when Italian is spoken).

Badia a Coltibuono is legendary. In fact, it's one of the most important wineries in all of Tuscany. One thousand years ago the Vallombrosian monks revolutionized agriculture and made Badia a Coltibuono into one of the cradles of Chianti and one of the very first places where Sangioveto grapes were introduced (yet another name for Sangiovese). Secularized after Napoleon annexed Tuscany in 1810, Badia a Coltibuono was acquired by Michele Giuntini, ancestor of today's owners, the Stucchi Prinetti family. Talk about family history!

We tasted through seven glorious wines with Emanuela, talked about a few edgy and truly daring wine pairing ideas and then we fell into revery and waxed poetic about a startling wine which is almost too delicious to be described.

Listen to Emanuela and Leslie talk about wine by clicking here.

So let's begin with the Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico estate wine.

Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2010

This lovely estate Chianti Classico has the distinction of being one of the first wines ever produced in Tuscany. It has a lovely ruby red color with floral notes, maraschino cherry, forest floor and tobacco aromas. Wild berries and gently crushed cloves swirl in the mouth in this pretty and elegant presentation of Sangiovese.

Now here comes the kicker. Emanuela mentioned drinking this Chianti Classico with pan-seared tuna served with an egg yolk on top which was marinated in sugar and salt (whoah, yes please!). Just in case marinating egg yolks isn't your bag (but let's face it, we're all over this idea and we plan on trying it this weekend) then please check this out: Emanuela suggests drinking this classic red wine with fresh lobster served with homemade mayonnaise. Woot!

"Made with organic grapes, this shows violet and toasted aromas of coffee and carob. The palate delivers dense, dark fruit with hints of orange peel, herbs and well-integrated oak. It's tightly knit, with lithe tannins." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 89 points

$19.99/bottle or $95.95/solid six pack case ($15.99/bottle) or just $15.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine. And, please, if you indulge in either of the aforementioned food and wine pairings drop us a note and let us know your thoughts. We think it sounds like a fun dinner party idea!

Now it's time to ramp things up a bit.

Badia a Coltibuono Sangioveto di Toscano 2009

This delicious red wine explores the remarkable potential of pure Sangiovese. Yes, yes, yes, yes! It's made with the oldest vines on the property and it has an intense, deep ruby color with purple glints. The floral scents of violet and iris are certainly enticing enough, but then whiffs of spice send it over the top. Talk about silky, smooth tannins. Wow!

"One of the most interesting wines in this flight, the 2009 Sangioveto offers a close read of Sangiovese tradition. The wine never colors outside its predetermined lines. It's bright, berry aromas are appropriately matched to the crispness and weightlessness of the mouthfeel. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 91 points

$59.99/bottle or $287.95/6 pack case ($47.99/bottle) or just $47.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine. Serve this wine with Ribolita (Tuscan bread, bean and vegetable soup), wild game, braised meats, aged cheeses and maybe even (dare we say it?) chocolate.

And now for something sweet and nutty.

Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2006

This wonderful dessert wine is produced in very small amounts. It's made with two white grapes, Trebbiano and Malvasia, and it's among the best passito style wines (i.e., wine made from concentrated dried grapes) in the world. Aged in small oak barrels for four years, this wine has intense aromas and flavors of honey, caramel and bitter almond. Serve slightly chilled with pate, cheese or Emanuela's favorite pairing: a pretty plate graced with fresh walnuts, dried dates, sharp cheese and bitter chocolate. Swoon!!!

"The 2006 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico opens with bright amber, almost orange color. As you should expect, the aromas burst from the glass with caramel, butterscotch, dried orange peel and candied fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 91 points

$39.99/375 ml bottle or $191.95/6 pack case ($31.99/bottle) or just $31.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine. If you haven't yet tried Vin Santo, you should start with this one. It's delightful.

OK. Now things are about to get very serious, very serious indeed. You know how every now and then we sound the horn and raise the flags and tell you with all sincerity that you really need to taste a wine? That time is now. We're about to share a rare, unusual and stellar treat which is both MAGNIFICENT and STUNNING. It took us by surprise and we can't stop thinking about it.

Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico "Occhio di Pernice" 2004

"Occhio di Pernice" translates into "eye of the partridge" and it's called this because the wine has a garnet color with an amber edge (ok, we confess we don't know anything about partridge eyes either). What's unusual about this rare, hand-picked, miniscule production wine is this Vin Santo is made from the red grape Sangiovese. Say what?!? This is one of the reasons why wine never grows tedious or boring. Just when you think you've seen everything, something new and exciting pops up, turns you upside down, and makes you fall in love all over again.

This style of dessert wine is extremely difficult to produce and it's only made by a handful of high quality producers in good years. It's aged for five years in sealed small oak barrels. It's full-bodied and oh so lush, with an intriguing mix of balsamic notes, candied citrus and spices. You really do need to try this rare treat. It has transformed us into two very smitten kittens.

"The 2004 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice emerges from the glass with an intriguing array of smoke, licorice, honey, scorched earth and tar, all of which add considerable complexity to the fruit. This is an exotic, full-throttle style of Vin Santo, but there is more than enough freshness to balance some of the wine's more opulent leanings. From time to time the volatile acidity (always present in sweet wines) sticks out a bit, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 92 points

"Raspberry syrup, strawberry jam, vanilla and red cherry liqueur on the nose. Sweet and focused on the palate, with lively red berry and sweet spice flavors lifted by balsamic nuances at the back." (Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar)

International Wine Cellar: 90 points

$67.99/375 ml bottle or $163.18/3 pack case ($54.39/bottle) or just $54.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine. Yes, this rare and unusual treat isn't overly easy on the wallet, but then again, why would it be? It's one of the world's true undiscovered gems.

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