“Stunning” 98-pt Super Tuscan: “Silky, Plush, Vivid” (JD)

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QUERCIABELLA

TUSCANY, ITALY

Why Buy: Of the hundreds of estates in Tuscany that "craft well made, agreeable wines, only a few dozen regularly produce truly special wines," Forbes wrote. "One of those estates is Querciabella." Our sentiments exactly, and the 6 wines that we've culled for you from their current portfolio (including a 98-pointer, a 97-pointer, and a 96-pointer) demonstrate what makes this family-owned estate, which just celebrated its 50th vintage, one of the kings of Chianti: these are biodynamic wines of varietal correctness, balance, complexity, accessibility, and length.

What They're Saying: The 2019 Palafreno left Antonio Galloni in a kind of awe. "Stunning ... one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted here," he wrote in his 98-point review, praising its "silky, plush, and exceptionally vivid" character. This pure Merlot from Greve's Ruffoli district shows what's possible when tradition meets precision, when intensity is matched to elegance. It’s that same duality that moved James Suckling in the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018, a "full-bodied yet agile and energetic,” he wrote, in his 97-point review. “So polished and beautiful. A benchmark for the vintage in Chianti Classico.” White wines, as you know, seldom take home the kind of scores that red wines do, so the 96 points that Jeb Dunnuck lavished on the Batàr 2021 demands attention: "good tension and a high-quality, rounded creaminess,” he noted, "with a long, long finish [marked by] a hint of saline and key lime oils."

Our Tasting Notes: In all six of these wines, we find a tremendous clarity of purpose — an unmistakable sense, from the winemaker, Manfred Ing, of exactly what he wants to achieve with each. This makes for strong, thrilling wines. The Palafreno speaks in perfect pitch — a Merlot that honors both its Tuscan roots and French inspiration. The Gran Selezione shows why Sangiovese deserves its place among the world's noble grapes, while Batàr continues to redefine what Italian white wine can be. Each bottle reflects the estate's commitment to biodynamic farming — there's a vibrancy here, an aliveness, that you simply can't fake.

The Story: Vinous wrote that Ing "crafts wines of notable purity, transparency, and energy," and each one of these words, the family can assure you, has been hard-earned. Querciabella began humbly, in 1974, when Giuseppe "Pepito" Castiglioni acquired a small estate in Ruffoli. But his vision, even then, was large. So large that it extended beyond Chianti's borders. Pepito’s goal was nothing less than to create world-class wines — wines of great elegance and refinement that would bring honor and renown not just to Tuscany but to Chianti Classico. His children have not just inherited his vision; they have added to it. His son, Sebastiano, helped the estate to embrace organic viticulture in Italy, and, eventually, to turn to biodynamics. He has recently stepped aside, leaving the estate in the hands of Pepito's daughter, Mita, who oversees their 92 hectares in Chianti Classico and Maremma, helping to preserve nature's delicate balance across all that expanse, and variety, of land.

What to Pair Them With: With elegance like this, the possibilities abound, but you’ll be best served to abide by the old saying: what grows together, goes together. Think Tuscany's rustic cuisine — grilled meats, aged cheeses, wild mushroom dishes, and, of course, rich and lusty pastas.

Fun Fact: The name Querciabella means "beautiful oak” — a fitting name for an estate whose roots run as deep as the ancient trees that dot the hillside vineyards.

Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.

 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NC, NE, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, December 12th, 2024.