Casa Vinicola Carpineto was established in 1967 by award-winning winemaker Giovanni Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo in the small historic settlement of Dudda, in the township of Greve in Chianti. The aim of the partnership was to become a high-quality producer of Chianti Classico. This focus on quality in the Classico region was uncommon in the 1960s, as Chianti was more famous for its large-scale production and “fiasco” straw basket-wrapped bottles.
Carpineto has since expanded beyond Chianti to other well-known Tuscan regions. It currently has five estates, two in Chianti Classico and one each in Maremma, Montepulciano, and Montalcino. Over 90 percent of the wine produced is red, 65% of this being “riserva” wines that are aged three or more years before their release date. Sangiovese is easily the most important varietal, dominant in Carpineto’s most prestigious wines, which include Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The winery also has a range of single-vineyard selections and proprietary blends, including several Super Tuscans. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a significant part in these wines, while Chardonnay is the most represented variety in its limited selection of white wine.
Caterina Sacchet is the eldest daughter of co-founder Giovanni Sacchet. After graduating from high school, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps. She received a degree in Enology and Viticulture from the University of Florence and then went on to gain more experience in the field by working abroad to achieve an international understanding of winemaking. Today she plays an important role in the family company as head winemaker, following the wine making process from vineyard to table.
Carpineto is widely regarded as one of the quality leaders of Italian winemaking, exporting the majority of its wine production to over 30 countries worldwide. Their winemaking style is to deliver wines that are full-bodied, complex, and fruity in character, with a round, supple tannin structure and long, persistent, clean finish. Despite their approachability upon release, their red wines are designed for long cellar aging of twenty years or longer.
I have tasted numerous wines from this fine producer over the years and have yet to be disappointed. The Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is particularly noteworthy. Luckily, I have one bottle of both the 2010 and the 2013 remaining in my cellar, as these years are now difficult – if not impossible – to obtain. The former received 93 points from the Wine Spectator and was awarded #26 on their Top 100 Wines of 2015; the latter was even more highly rated and was placed at #11 in the WS Top 100 of 2018. Fortunately, the 2015, rated 92-points, is still readily available from various sources online.
Carpineto’s most recently reviewed wine is their excellent 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva, which received 94-points from the Wine Spectator. According to the review, while the aroma is reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon enhancing the Sangiovese, it is actually Canaiolo with splashes of Mammolo and Colorino. This wine has excellent body, structure, and balance and is well worth seeking out – especially since it is so readily available through Pennsylvania State Stores. In point of fact, I have purchased several bottles of this wine in Wegmans, which has certainly upgraded their selections of late. The price is more than reasonable at $25.99.
The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is also available online at a significantly reduced price – as low as $17.99 from several sources – but bear in mind that you also must pay for shipping.
Cheers!
Be Safe
TAD
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