2013 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo, Super Tuscan
If the more famous Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno is just about the best value Super-Tuscan made from Bordeaux grapes around, then Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo will be one of the best valued Super-Tuscan made from Sangiovese.
To us, Crognolo not a second wine of Oreno- it is a perpetual over achiever in Sangiovese format. If we compare scores though, Crognolo had been awarded JS95 three years in a roll (2013, 2012 and 2011), and in that sense it may be considered performing even more consistently than Oreno. At least this is what James Suckling thinks.
The 2013 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo remarkably expresses the varietal and Tuscan characters, and has surpasses many wines at twice its asking price. Team thinks that this Cognolo 2013 give a powerful expression of ripe Sangiovese fruits in the nose including cherries, plums and berries; some spices; excellent depth. On palate this is almost full bodied (with 10% Merlot, hence 14%); with lively and interesting acidities. A touch of oak adds another element; perky aftertaste; earthy finish.
Clay and sand soils as well as Tuscany’s special stony galestro limestone, combined with ideal sun exposure and a climate tempered by the Mediterranean, provide an ideal climate for the Sangiovese grape. Low yields of excellent-quality hand harvested fruit ensure a rich and concentrated result. Following hand sorting and destemming, grapes are fermented in a combination of temperature-controlled and lined open-top tanks, longish fermentation, and softer punch-down. Lots are blended first when the wine is placed in barriques and again at the first racking. Crognolo is aged for 10-14 months in French Allier barriques and 5-6 months in bottle. Winemaker Carlo Ferrini(also Wine Enthsuiast’s 2007 Wine Maker of the Year).
Good scores and medals are as follows:
JS95
Lots of currants, blueberries, vanilla and floral character on the nose and palate. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Edgy contrast of acidity, ripe fruit and wood. Stylish, savory and delicious. A blend of sangiovese and merlot. One of the best values amongst Super Tuscan reds. Drink in 2016. Score - 95. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Aug. 5, 2015)
GOLD MEDAL
Sommelier Challenge
2013 vintage
