50% Merlot

50% Sangiovese.

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14.5% Vol.

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€8.00

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Passo del Prete, the path of the priest is part of the Cypress drive up to the vineyard.

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After two years in the bottle, this wine is maturing into a fine introduction to Tuscan wines.

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The Sangiovese forms a harmonious and mutually beneficial marriage to the Canaiolo, the former providing the structure and the latter providing the opulence and fruit. It just works.

With the spicy, peppery and dried herbs of the Sangiovese, the Canaiolo adds notes of light fruits and some hints of floral. Light oak ageing in neutral oak barrels.

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 In the early 19th century, Canaiolo was the main constituent of all Chianti blends, while Sangiovese was relegated to the supporting act.

 

 soften the occasionally astringent tannins of Sangiovese, inserting a welcome dash of color and ripe tannin. But the pendulum was swinging in the direction of French varietals in the 1990s.

 

In the past 15 years, there has been a dual movement to champion 100% Sangiovese wines and blends that take their inspiration from Bordeaux. In 1996, the Chianti Classico authorities allowed the production of ‘unadulterated’ Sangiovese wines, a practice hitherto forbidden. And also, the rules regarding indigenous varieties changed: the addition of Canaiolo became optional, while the use of other recommended grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon was increased to 20%. As a result, the local community sidelined their traditions for the deeper color, and more globalized appeal of Sangiovese blended with Merlot and Cabernet.