This organic Super Tuscan wine is a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese from an ancient terraced vineyard in Panzano, Chianti Classico

Gagliole Valetta is packed with flavours of rose, ripe red cherry and vanilla. This Super Tuscan wine is produced from 50% Merlot and 50% Sangiovese – Tuscany’s signature red grape.

The grapes are grown in an outstanding location, too, in a terraced vineyard which opens up like an amphitheatre between the mountains. It faces south and south-west, at 480 metres above sea level. The soils are Galestro and Alberese (read our article to learn why these soils are key to the success of Chianti Classico wines). People have been producing wine here since the medieval era. In this centuries-old terraced vineyard, the Sangiovese vines and olive trees are planted according to ancient tradition.

Despite the historic feel of the vineyards, the cellar of Gagliole is possibly the most technologically advanced facility we saw in Tuscany. They use cutting-edge equipment and rotary fermentation tanks, and generate 80% of their electricity from solar panels in the roof. There’s also an electric car charger on site – in case you fancy visiting in your Tesla!

Tasting notes

Medium ruby colour. This complex wine has deep and enchanting aromas of rose, red cherry, vanilla, cloves and biscuit layered with notes of dried cranberry and prune. In the mouth, it is dry, with medium velvety tannins, high alcohol and a full body. The wine has a pronounced taste of red cherry, cinnamon, vanilla and dried prunes, leading to a long flavourful finish.

Awards

I Vini di Veronelli – 3 stars (2018 vintage) | Vinous, Antonio Galloni – 94 points (2018 vintage) | James Suckling – 92 points (2018 vintage) | Bibenda Guide – 4 grape bunches (2018 vintage) | The WineHunter, Merano Wine Festival – Rosso (2017 vintage) | James Suckling – 92 points (2017 vintage) | Falstaff – 92 points (2017 vintage) | Wine Spectator – 91 points (2017 vintage) | Gambero Rosso – Two Glasses (2016 vintage)