Il Borghetto Collina 21
The Azienda Agricola Il Borghetto do things differently in this most well known and established region of Italy.
Led by English winemaker Tim Manning who cut his vinous teeth in vintages in Oregon, there is a determination to show the potential of the region. As a result, he is at odds with the Consorzio of Chianti Classico over his methods and approach.
All the daily operations are keenly overseen by the owner, Antonio Cavallini with the help of long-term collaborator Tim Manning, a British oenologist who has worked extensively with Pinot Noir in New Zealand and above all, in Oregon. There are about twenty or so small blocks of Vineyard at Il Borghetto, each differing slightly from the other, be it in a grape variety or clone, or a difference in soil type and slope aspect. They treat each one as a separate entity so that their individual characters can contribute a particular something to the final blend.
Harvest by hand. Each block is fermented, pressed, racked and aged separately. Use of the whole cluster. Natural yeast. Hand plunged; no pump-overs. Long fermentation maceration - on average 40 days. Free-run and pressings kept together. Wines racked and barrelled down with minimal settling. No racking during ageing.
The percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese making up the blend in Collina change slightly from year to year to enable them to make a soft, perfumed and easy-drinking wine. Red cherries, earthy aromas and notes of tea and tobacco. A super aperitive with good friends. If you want to remain Italian: Pasta alla Norma, Pizza Marinara and in Scotland. Haggis, neeps and tatties.
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