2018 Rocca delle Macie Sergioveto Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Italy
Tasting Notes
Ruby red with garnet reflections, rich and persistent, with a balanced amount of oak from the barrel aging. A well-balanced wine, dry and refined, with good structure and a long finish.
First released in the 1985 vintage, this wine was created by Italo Zingarelli as an homage to his son, Sergio, who in that same year joined his father at the helm of the winery. After a strict selection of Sangiovese grapes from the ‘Pian Della Casina’ vineyard and careful fermentation, the wine ages for at least two years in the Zingarelli family cellars. This is a well-structured, balanced, and polished wine, offering up hints of red berries and jam. An excellent match for meat and game dishes and seasoned cheeses. Serve at a temperature of 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Background
For well over 50 years, the Zingarelli family has dedicated itself to crafting the finest wines, providing meticulous attention to the vineyards, and championing Chianti Classico DOC. Established in 1973 by acclaimed Italian film producer Italo Zingarelli, Rocca delle Macìe totals 600 hectares (1,500 acres) across six estates in Tuscany. Led today by Italo’s son Sergio, his wife Daniela, and two children, Rocca delle Macìe is one of Tuscany’s leading wine estates. Ser Gioveto was first created in 1985 by Italo as an attribute to his son Sergio, who began working alongside him at the winery that same year; the name of the wine is also a reference to the archaic name of Sangiovese, the main grape chosen for the wine. The 2015 harvest is, for the first time, under the Chianti Classico Riserva appellation, and produced with 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard.
Winemaking & Aging
Hand-selected berries undergo 8-10 days of alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats, with 10-15 days of skin maceration. The wine ages an additional 20-24 months in French oak barrels, followed by one year in the bottle.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973 when former Boxer and Movie director Italo Zingarelli decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate (extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine) in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Rocca delle Macìe implements agronomic techniques that are geared not only towards constantly improving the products but also towards respecting the environment.
Rocca delle Macìe was established on a solid base of ethical values, constructed by Italo in order to make his dream a reality. The respect of his children and their capacity to build upon what they had received did the rest. The Zingarelli family has not compromised on this approach as the business has grown. Rocca delle Macìe has now become one of the largest wine producers in Italy, and remains committed to preserving a land that is healthy and clean, and always in a position to offer up its very best fruits.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico - $55 = 21.56%
After receiving notice of incoming Rattage last week I pondered what new adventure awaited. Imagine my surprise by the rooster at my doorstep, the arrival of 2018 Sergioveto. Rocca Del Macie is a premium “Cantina” producing wonderful Chianti Classico and the rooster is always welcome at my table. Even more exciting was knowing that Casemates has tapped into a new supply of exciting old world offerings, especially from Italy. As part of the onboarding for my new job we were asked what our favorite beverage was and not to appear like too much of a wine geek. I answered “any red wine from Italy”. It looks like my wishes were answered this week. Unfortunately this bottle was riding around in a hot UPS truck for 2 days and was notably warm to the touch when I immediately unpacked it. My digital probe read 88.4 degrees F in the heel of the bottle. I do not have enough expertise to say whether this impacted the tasting but I cooled it down to 68 before opening.
Now for the main event! After greeting the rooster I popped the cork with my trusty Murano wine key. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the one with the Rocca Del Macie logo. The color is a lighter shade of purple and is translucent when pouring but more opaque in the glass. As compared to the more professional tasting notes out there I experienced more stone fruit and red fruit such as cherry and plum in contrast to the tasting notes mentioning dark fruits. The wine is acidic up front and eases into a more long lasting and concentrated fruit leather like finish. The tannic structure is bold and up front and expert reviews opine that this will peak in a couple of years if you have the patience and cellar capacity to lay it down. I made a rookie error in not using an aerator when I first opened the bottle. By the time I ate some cheese and got to the main course of chicken parm and spaghetti it didn’t matter. But I did use the Vinturi to aerate the last sip and I would recommend pouring through an aerator or decanter if drinking before it peaks. For desert we cut up some peaches and let them soak in what was left in our glasses and also broke out some chocolate. The pairing was successful with all 3 courses and this offering I suspect will pair well with whatever it is served with. IMO a Chianti Classico Riserva at a compelling price is an auto buy and since we do not see Italian wines roll around Casemates very often I suspect this one will sell out quickly. I wonder if we will hear from our winemakers across the pond? Stay tuned, I suspect this will get more interesting!
Gismondi On Wine…
92 points. The first Sergioveto was made in 1985 as an homage from Italo Zingarelli to his son Sergio who joined the company that year. Ser Gioveto is also a reference to the archaic name of Sangiovese, Sangioveto, the primary grape chosen for the new wine. Since 2015, a Chianti Classico Riserva has been produced with 100% sangiovese grapes from a single vineyard: Pian Della Casina. The wine is aged 20-24 months in French oak barrels, plus an extra year in bottle. The wine is dense and packed with dark plum streaked with balsamic. The tannins are measured and round but plentiful at this point. There is no rush to drink this wine. Notes of leather and pipe tobacco round out the dry finish. It will begin to open through 2026 and beyond to be all it can be, which will be considerable. Anthony Gismondi 4/1/23
…
94 points
A really bright, fruity red with blackberry and cherry aromas and hints of orange peel. It’s medium-bodied with a very tight palate and an intense finish. Very tight and firm. Needs a year or two to open. Try after 2022. James Suckling - July 2021
WinesCritic.com…
92 points. Complex and intriguing, asking for air as it was designed with a light reduction. Slowly emerging in the glass notes of red plums, black tea leaves, crushed tobacco, blood orange and mandarin rind. Medium to full bodied, fine grain light tannins and a balanced finale of remarkable personality. Drink now or hold. Raffaele Vecchione Aug '21
Vinum Magazine (www.vinum.eu)
17/20. Starts with a lot of esprit on notes of red berries and flowers; fresh in the mouth with accentuated acidity, but also well structured with fine-grained tannins, ending on notes of red forest fruits. Drink 2023 - 2027
jancisrobinson.com…
16+ Classic styling of Chianti with the light body, bitter cranberry fruit, very fine tannic feathers and typical green-olive bitterness on the finish. Fairly brief finish. Drink 2023 -2033 (RH) 11/28/23
Falstaff…93 points Feb/22
5StarWines - the Book - Vinitaly 91 points 4/22
/giphy voluptuous-affable-newt
In for a case. The Ricasoli Brolio offered earlier this summer was tasty. Always ready to drink more Italian reds, Sangiovese especially. Love seeing these starting to pop up here more often, helps keep me away from WTSO.
2018 Rocca delle Macie Sergioveto Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Italy
Tasting Notes
Background
Winemaking & Aging
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $480/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 11 - Tuesday, Aug 12
2018 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico
4 bottles for $84.99 $21.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico - $55 = 21.56%
After receiving notice of incoming Rattage last week I pondered what new adventure awaited. Imagine my surprise by the rooster at my doorstep, the arrival of 2018 Sergioveto. Rocca Del Macie is a premium “Cantina” producing wonderful Chianti Classico and the rooster is always welcome at my table. Even more exciting was knowing that Casemates has tapped into a new supply of exciting old world offerings, especially from Italy. As part of the onboarding for my new job we were asked what our favorite beverage was and not to appear like too much of a wine geek. I answered “any red wine from Italy”. It looks like my wishes were answered this week. Unfortunately this bottle was riding around in a hot UPS truck for 2 days and was notably warm to the touch when I immediately unpacked it. My digital probe read 88.4 degrees F in the heel of the bottle. I do not have enough expertise to say whether this impacted the tasting but I cooled it down to 68 before opening.
Now for the main event! After greeting the rooster I popped the cork with my trusty Murano wine key. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the one with the Rocca Del Macie logo. The color is a lighter shade of purple and is translucent when pouring but more opaque in the glass. As compared to the more professional tasting notes out there I experienced more stone fruit and red fruit such as cherry and plum in contrast to the tasting notes mentioning dark fruits. The wine is acidic up front and eases into a more long lasting and concentrated fruit leather like finish. The tannic structure is bold and up front and expert reviews opine that this will peak in a couple of years if you have the patience and cellar capacity to lay it down. I made a rookie error in not using an aerator when I first opened the bottle. By the time I ate some cheese and got to the main course of chicken parm and spaghetti it didn’t matter. But I did use the Vinturi to aerate the last sip and I would recommend pouring through an aerator or decanter if drinking before it peaks. For desert we cut up some peaches and let them soak in what was left in our glasses and also broke out some chocolate. The pairing was successful with all 3 courses and this offering I suspect will pair well with whatever it is served with. IMO a Chianti Classico Riserva at a compelling price is an auto buy and since we do not see Italian wines roll around Casemates very often I suspect this one will sell out quickly. I wonder if we will hear from our winemakers across the pond? Stay tuned, I suspect this will get more interesting!
Recently came back from a week-long trip to Italy where I discovered wine windows around Florence. Great to see a Chianti offered here!
/giphy ginormous-serious-toffee
This one brings back some memories. The vineyard is nearby Castellina in Chianti, our favorite village in Tuscany.
Gismondi On Wine…
92 points. The first Sergioveto was made in 1985 as an homage from Italo Zingarelli to his son Sergio who joined the company that year. Ser Gioveto is also a reference to the archaic name of Sangiovese, Sangioveto, the primary grape chosen for the new wine. Since 2015, a Chianti Classico Riserva has been produced with 100% sangiovese grapes from a single vineyard: Pian Della Casina. The wine is aged 20-24 months in French oak barrels, plus an extra year in bottle. The wine is dense and packed with dark plum streaked with balsamic. The tannins are measured and round but plentiful at this point. There is no rush to drink this wine. Notes of leather and pipe tobacco round out the dry finish. It will begin to open through 2026 and beyond to be all it can be, which will be considerable. Anthony Gismondi 4/1/23
94 points
A really bright, fruity red with blackberry and cherry aromas and hints of orange peel. It’s medium-bodied with a very tight palate and an intense finish. Very tight and firm. Needs a year or two to open. Try after 2022. James Suckling - July 2021
WinesCritic.com…
92 points. Complex and intriguing, asking for air as it was designed with a light reduction. Slowly emerging in the glass notes of red plums, black tea leaves, crushed tobacco, blood orange and mandarin rind. Medium to full bodied, fine grain light tannins and a balanced finale of remarkable personality. Drink now or hold. Raffaele Vecchione Aug '21
Vinum Magazine (www.vinum.eu)
17/20. Starts with a lot of esprit on notes of red berries and flowers; fresh in the mouth with accentuated acidity, but also well structured with fine-grained tannins, ending on notes of red forest fruits. Drink 2023 - 2027
jancisrobinson.com…
16+ Classic styling of Chianti with the light body, bitter cranberry fruit, very fine tannic feathers and typical green-olive bitterness on the finish. Fairly brief finish. Drink 2023 -2033 (RH) 11/28/23
Falstaff…93 points Feb/22
5StarWines - the Book - Vinitaly 91 points 4/22
fwiw
/giphy voluptuous-affable-newt
In for a case. The Ricasoli Brolio offered earlier this summer was tasty. Always ready to drink more Italian reds, Sangiovese especially. Love seeing these starting to pop up here more often, helps keep me away from WTSO.