The historic, Medieval castle of Strozzavolpe regally stands guard over the town of Poggibonsi, on the south-western part of Castellina in Chianti and the hills of Siena. The castle is surrounded by 32 hectares of vineyards, 7 of which are in Chianti Classico. The vineyards are protected by thick woods of live oaks, and the high altitude provides an enviable and wellventilated exposition. The stony-calcareous soil is rich in fossils and minerals, which give the wines an admirable structure. The warm days and cools nights enhance an already seductive bouquet. The vineyards were nearly abandoned and the grapes sold in bulk to the local cantina who greedily bought them up. Even in that state, the quality coming from the vineyards was exceptional. Now under the caring passionate hand of the owner, Alberto Arcangeli, the vineyards are returning to their formal glory.
As with any genuine castle, there is also a great legend. The story goes that when the castle was being built in 1154, there was a huge and ferocious fox that roamed the land. He would attack and maul anyone who ventured on the land, and he was even said to have fire coming out of his eyes and its mouth. The prince, determined to build his castle on this strategic hilltop, rounded up his bravest knights and went hunting for the fox. His army, however, was no match for the savage animal – half of them were quickly decimated. The prince himself finally cornered the fox in a tree and managed to get a lasso around his neck. As the fox leapt from the tree to attack the prince, he was hung by the lasso. And so, the castle earned its name, Strozzavolpe, which means “hang the fox.”
But the legend doesn’t end there. The prince's wizard warned him that the castle he was about to build would only last as long as the body of the fox. To ensure the longevity of his castle, the prince immediately ordered that the fox be embalmed & stuffed with liquid gold. The fox was then buried deep in the foundation of the castle. It is said that when the moon is full, the fox can be seen wandering the grounds of the castle.
Alberto just laughs and shrugs his shoulders when asked about the fox. He says, that as long as he doesn't get into the cellars and drink up his precious Chianti Classico, he is free to roam the grounds.
Alberto has a great passion for these vineyards and the wine they produce. He has researched the original clones that once grew in the area. His regular Chianti is 90% Sangiovese with small percentages of the ancient, indigenous grapes, Ciliegiolo and the rare Pugnitello, It has a luscious drinkability filled with bright cherry fruit that speaks of genuine Chianti. The bouquet is filled with red berries, in particular red currents and dark cherries, mixed with subtle spices. The finish is exceptionally elegant and long. The Chianti Classico stays 12 months in barrique. It is regal and impressively structured. The bouquet is full of rich, ripe plums and dark cherries with intriguing hints of vanilla and warm spices. It is a Classico of inherent power and great elegance.
25 ha Chianti and 7 ha Chianti Classico.
Average age of the vines is 25 years.
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Rombauer Vineyards Proprietor Selection Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Proprietor Selection is a reserve Chardonnay produced only in exceptional vintages by blending the best barrels from the finest lots. The 2022 represents the 16th vintage in 44 years. Like all of our Chardonnays, this wine comes from Carneros where the cool climate and clay soils offer ideal growing conditions for the varietal.
This wine comes from elite vineyards in the Carneros region owned by the Rombauer family and select growers including the Sangiacomo family, long-term grower partners who have farmed this land for three generations
Expressive and concentrated aromas of grapefruit and lime sorbet with hints of clove are present in the glass. It is rich and intense on the palate with sweet peach, clove, and freshly baked pastry flavors. There is a bright refreshing acidity that gives way to more stone fruit flavors that continue to build on the very long and concentrated finish.
Mordoree Lirac Rouge Reine des Bois equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
Color : deep dark red, with blueish hints.
Aromas : highly fruity ( raspberry, billberry, blackberry ), floral (violet) and intense with a grilled touch ( coffee ).
Palate : melted and concentrated tannins, full bodied, very long fresh finish.
Ageing potential : 8 to 10 years
Grilled meats, sauce meats, game birds, game rabbits and semi-mature cheeses.
Review:
"Blackberries, dark berries, dried thyme and sweet spices on the nose follow through to a medium body with fine tannins. Round, fruity and juicy with a transparent character. Precise and well-balanced with a flavorful finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.."
- James Suckling (June 2023), 91 pts