Chiave di Saletta IGT Toscana, 2016

In the hands of Guy Hands (of Terra Firma Private Equity fame) for the last 20 years, this romantic estate near Pisa  has followed a tradition of luxurious hospitality with authenticity at its core. There is a medieval village and 700 hectares of land between woods, hunting grounds, vineyards and olive groves.

The first documents attesting the estate's wine production date back to 980 AD, a number to which one of the winery's labels is dedicated.

Okay so less of the poetics, more of the nitty gritty with this most Romantic wine. This is a SuperTuscan style blend, so the grapes are 50% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. 

The wine is subjected to a malolactic fermentation. and an ageing process is carried out in the wine in French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.

Regarding tasting notes, the wine is Intense red colour, the nose shows powerful and penetrating notes of berries and dark chocolate. Balsamic notes and spicy sensations are credited to the oak barrels. The palate is supple and boasts soft, velvety tannins.

This is an elegant wine with a fine length and persistence, and a finish and aftertaste which recalls mint, tobacco and chocolate.This is a IWSC Gold Medal winning wine.

Think of all things Tuscan to for food pairings, so red meats, roasts, sausages, game meat, poultry, aged cheeses and aged.