2004 La Marcellina ‘Sasso Forato’ Chianti Classico DOCG
Mission Codename: 1000 Years and Counting
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Visit Fattoria La Marcellina and acquire their Gran Cru Sasso Forato Chianti Classico DOCG
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Fattoria La Marcellina
Wine Subject: 2004 Sasso Forato Chianti Classico DOCG
Winemaker: Fabio Castellacci
Backgrounder:
Chianti Classico DOCG is produced in one of the eight sub-regions in the Chianti region. This one hales from the Panzano in Chianti commune, in the Chianti hills about halfway between Siena to the south and Florence to the north. The DOCG requires that these wines range from 75-100% Sangiovese grapes and often is blended with Caniolo Nero, Trebbiano, Colorino, Malvasia or Cabernet Sauvignon (regular Chianti is limited to no more than 90% Sangiovese). This region in Chianti is most populated by foreign owned wineries. The La Marcellina family has owned and worked the land and vines in this area for about 1000 years.
This Chianti Classico DOCG is 100% Sangiovese and has good cellar potential. The finest Chianti Classico, such as this one, can age gracefully for up to 20 years and are also among the funnest food wines from Italy.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark ruby red with violet and ruby reflections through its clear core. Along the edges the color remains deep only lightening on the very edge to a lighter shade of ruby-garnet. When swirled, this wine leaves behind fast fat legs that show hints of color as the descend to the wine below.
Smell – Medium in intensity but fully aromatic. Notes of spice and oak over sweet and ripe red cherry and hints of strawberry are layered over vanilla, floral violets and a subtle bramble-herbal component.
Feel – Smooth and rich, this full-boded wine has firm, but finely textured silky tannins and lively acidity that mellows as this wine opens up. Mouth-coating and lightly chewy with a touch of minerality that lingers into the finish.
Taste – Rich flavors of red and black cherry, toasted oak and vanilla and subtle spice and earthy notes. Zesty and juicy, but not overdone, impressively layered and harmoniously integrated. Hints of dark mocha and tar add complexity.
Finish – Lingering and clean with notes of this wine’s minerality and tannin texture leading the way and framing its bright and rich fruit.
Conclusion – The 2004 La Marcellina Sasso Forato Chianti Classico DOCG is a very pretty wine from an exceptional vintage in the region. As this wine opens up, its refined subtle and elegant aromas and flavors emerge making this wine a great accompaniment to bold and rich Italian food. Easy to drink and enjoy, this Chianti Classico will continue to improve for the next 10 or more years.
Mission Report:
Below is our original mission when Agent White first discovered the wines of La Marcellina, and specifically the Sassocupo Chianti Classico.
Word came in from OPS to head south from Florence and find Sassocupo… I had heard rumors of Sassocupo, but wasn’t sure what exactly what he or she, or it was. The rumors ranged from a Sasquatch type creature that wrecked havoc in the area to a small ground mole that raided vineyards in search of a tasty meal. I had no idea what to expect.
My local asset on the ground, Agent Baco Noir promoted the Sasquatch theory, I think in an effort to not only intimidate me but also, as I found out later, to as part of her ongoing game with me. Baco informed me that she had a lead and insisted that I be prepared for outdoor activities (think Man v. Wild), but I wasn’t worried, heck this was Tuscany, how wild would it get, not to mention, my local asset never wore anything less than 4 inch heels, regardless of the terrain.
We ventured forth on our Vespas through the winding hills of the Chianti region, and we approached a vineyard in the Panzano in Chianti commune. From here we went on foot, and walked into a carefully tended Sangiovese vineyard. Then things started to get strange, I started hearing grunts and other not-so-natural sounds. She took up a position behind me and pushed me forward. The noises continued and in the distance I could see a small worn-out barn.
”There, in the barn”, She pointed… “My contact said to check there…”
As I opened the creaky door, a thin ray of sunlight lit only a portion of the otherwise dark and dusty barn. I took a step in and the door slammed shut with a shudder, both from the barn and also up my spine. Just then, Baco, goosed me by grabbing me from behind and scared the, well, better discretion says I cannot describe….
As she laughed, the door opened, and the Castellacci family emerged with big smiles and said ”let’s go and meet Sassocupo”, as they presented me a bottle of their Chianti Classico Riserva, named Sassocupo.
Mystery solved, and a delicious mystery it was.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Fattoria La Marcellina can be seen in this satellite photo.
