2008 Tenuta Riseccoli Rinascita IGT Toscana Super Tuscan

Mission Codename: Rebirth of a Classic

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an exclusive allocation of a delicious Super Tuscan for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Tenuta Riseccoli

Wine Subject: 2008 Rinascita IGT Toscana Super Tuscan

Backgrounder: Broadly, wines designated asIndicazione Geographica Tipica (IGT) could be consideredvin de pays. Tack on the designation Rosso Toscana and you are talking about a broad category of wines often times called Super Tuscans. Most of these wines are Sangiovese based with the addition of other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and all are unique blends that gives the winery much more flexibility with regard to the more stringent Goria DOCand DOCG designations.

Today’s selection is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from the famed Chianti Classico region.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark garnet that lightens slightly to deep ruby red along its edges. Brilliantly clear with ruby streaks when held to the light and when swirled, random clusters of fast thin legs descend to the wine below.

Smell – Fruit forward and redolent with bright aromas of smokey and spiced dark berries including black and red cherry, blackberry and cassis with a healthy dose of black licorice and toasted oak. A touch of green herb and spiced pepper follows and sits just underneath.

Feel – A smooth and rich attack with finely grained and softly textured tannins that become more sturdy at mid palate. Lively and food friendly acidity and soft minerality surrounds the fruit and lasts long into the finish.

Taste – Rich, tangy and bright red and black cherry, blackberry and other dark fruit blends with smokey and toasted oak and black licorice notes. Soft herbal and sweet spice along with balsamic hints adds complexity without sacrificing drinkability. Once this wine opens and breathes, it becomes soft and rich while still retaining its food friendly structure.

Finish – Extremely long with the rich and tangy fruit lasting long over a framework of finely textured tannins and minerality and fresh acidity that dries the tongue and invites another sip.

Conclusion – The 2008 Tenuta Riseccoli RinascitaIGT Toscana Super Tuscan is a delicious and affordable Tuscan classic that is perfect for your everyday home-cooked Italian dinners. Great red and black fruit on the nose and palate with smokey and toasted oak, black licorice, spice and herbal notes blend with a sturdy and softly textured but not overbearing palate. Enjoy this wine tonight or cellar for the next few years.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of Tenuta Riseccoli can be seen in this satellite photo.