Tasting of Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva

Posted by Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 4/26/2020

Tasting of Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva

Carpineto is a wine estate that produces world-renowned wines from their five estates in Tuscany. It was founded in 1967 by Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo who envisioned an enormous potentiality in their region in producing great traditional wines. In their quest for innovative viticulture and winemaking techniques aimed at producing the best red wine that expresses the best that the terroir can offer in the Tuscan appellations, they dramatically exceeded the quality standards of the traditional Tuscan wine.   

What initially started as 20 hectares more than fifty years ago has increased enormously to more than 500 hectares that are distributed in five estates: Montepulciano, Montalcino, Gaville (Alto Valdarno), Dudda (Greve in Chianti), and Gavorrano.   

Presently a company that has grown substantially in size and importance, Carpineto still maintains it within the two families, Zaccheo and Sacchet. The new generation, Caterina Sacchet who functions as the oenologist, along with Elisabetta Sacchet, Francesca Zaccheo and Antonio Michael Zaccheo, they continue to experiment in their high level of production with the aim of protecting the characteristics of the wine, the environment and the historical values of Tuscany. With an annual production of over three million bottles per annum which are mostly dedicated to the DOCG appellations, it has a strong international presence 70 countries with the North American countries in the lead.

Antonio Michael Zaccheo, Jr., Antonio Mario Zaccheo and Anton Robert Zaccheo

The Carpineto red wines are known for their excellent aging ability and approachability due to their extensive bottle-aging technique. In fact, Carpineto ages the Riserva wines between six to twelve months longer than the minimum period required by the DOCG appellation restrictions. Carpineto is an icon of excellence in Tuscany where the wines of the most important appellations: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Maremma, are produced.

  Their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is among the Top 100 Wines of Italy according to Wine Spectator which had been awarded in succession over the past three years, the 2010, 2011 and 2013 vintages. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2010 was number 26 in the year 2015 with a score of 93 points, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2011 was number 76 in 2016, again with a score of 93 points, and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2013 was number 11 in 2018 with a higher score of 95 points.  

At the Montepulciano Estate, there are 102 hectares of dry-farmed vineyards at an elevation of 250 meters above sea level which are dedicated to the new clones of Sangiovese and international grape varietals for the age worthy wines. The Camponibbio and Appodiati vineyards are located here. The Appodiati vineyards have been selected for their exceptional characteristics, which fully glorify the microclimatic characteristics of each area. The wines produced from this area are for very long ageing and are bottled without undergoing any kind of treatment. They are released only after a minimum of 5 years of bottle aging. Here, Carpineto produces the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Farnito and Appodiati single-vineyard wines that are produced only on great vintages.  

At the Dudda Estate in Greve in Chianti, the vineyards are located at 300 meters above sea level, at the eastern edge of the Chianti Classico region. There are 10 hectares of dry farmed Chianti Classico vineyards, planted on steep hillsides to Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes. In general, the Chianti Classico is a combination of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo and other red grape varieties. After bottling, the wine is aged in temperature controlled cellars for at least 10 months before its release. In order to deliver the highest quality Carpineto has chosen to age this wine longer than the 2 years required by appellation rules for a Riserva.   

The guided wine tasting of Carpineto wines at Sheraton Roma Hotel last 29 November 2019 with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG and Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG. The tasting was conducted by Antonio Michael Zaccheo of Carpineto and Paolo Pietromarchi of FISAR Roma.

 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2013 

Coming from a five-star rating of climatic year, using 90% Sangiovese and 10% of Canaiolo and some Mammolo and Colorino, this vintage gave an excellent result. Ruby red color with garnet highlights with an intense nose of complex aromas of sweet cooked dark stone fruits, berries, powder blush, violet, dried tea leaves and eucalyptus while you are presented with a very nice balance of flavors, acidity and velvety tannins with quite a long persistence in the mouth. As the palate opens more, the characteristics continue to surprise. You can still feel its youth and it's evident that it will show its personality in more years.  

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2010 

A combination of 70% Sangiovese with 30% Canaiolo and other authorized grape varieties. Dark ruby red color with garnet highlights with a nose that indicates roundness and intensity. Complex aromas of concentrated primary, secondary and tertiary characteristics with sweet cooked red plums, forest floor, dried tobacco leaves smoky and savory smells. The mouth has an elegant texture with velvety tannins, medium acidity and long persistence. An excellent harmonious wine to drink now and in more years ahead.  

Antonio Michael Zaccheo, Jr. of Carpineto and Paolo Pietromarchi of FISAR Roma

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2007 

Coming from another five-star climatic year vintage, using 70% Sangiovese and 30% of Canaiolo and other authorized grape varieties. Garnet red with a complex nose that presents perceptible tertiary and secondary characteristics with delicacy in primary notes. Dried mushrooms, forest floor, cooked stone fruits, dried herbs, dried tobacco leaves, and chocolate are distinguishing aromas. The mouth has a long persistence, smooth tannins and good balance.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2015

It has an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections. The nose takes time to open up  to a good intensity with hints of fruits especially plums and berries. The mouth instead is more decisive than the nose giving good acidity, elegance, fullness and good acidity. It has a persistent finish.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2010

It has a dark ruby red color with garnet reflections. It has an intense nose with pronounced tertiary and secondary characteristics and light primary aromas. Dried mushrooms, dried herbs, eucalyptus, dried tobacco leaves and hints of dried stone fruits. The palate is very interesting, elegant, velvety, very good acidity and long finish.

 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 1990 

Full garnet red in color with medium limpidity while the nose, after being lightly closed for a while, opens to an intense complexity of aromas of forest floor, tobacco leaves, dried sweet stone fruits and dried flowers and herbs. After almost 30 years, the acidity is quite evident with compact flavors, elegance and long finish. Typical of Carpineto's wines, this has aged gracefully and continues to give its best.