Principe Corsini confirms itself as a reference brand for an elegant and characterful Chianti Classico. Moreover, the estate in Maremma area, still in Tuscany, completes the range of wines with a different tone and more impressive vigor. The estates, therefore, are two: Villa Le Corti in Chianti Classico, and more precisely in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, and Tenuta Marsiliana province of Grosseto, both connected to the historic Florentine Corsini family for a total of about 3,000 Ha (7,5 acres) for the production of olive oil and wine in the name of biodiversity. Respectively since 1992 and 1993 they have been directed by Duccio Corsini, flanked by his sister Sabina in the case of Tenuta Marsiliana where Sangiovese, which reigns in Chianti Classico, is substituted by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Recently, I had the opportunity to taste 3 Chianti Classico: the current vintage (Le Corti), the Riserva version (Cortevecchia) and a Gran Selezione version (Don Tommaso) along with the reds of the Maremma estate: Birillo and Marsiliana.
The 3 Chianti are characterized by great finesse and stylistic definition with a progression of depth and stratification always balanced by a beautiful freshness.
LE CORTI CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2018 (95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino)
Lively wine. Delicate but welcoming on the nose with redcurrant and raspberry then violet on a refreshing background of herbs. Immediate on the palate with very well integrated alcohol, good structure but easy drinking
CORTEVECCHIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG RESERVE 2016 (95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino)
Fine but penetrating nose with notes of blackberry, lavender, forest floor, cocoa and coffee liqueur for a more austere and tannic sip than the previous one. It still requires some time to express itself at its best but it is elegant, structured but with excellent balance. Long finish.
DON TOMMASO CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG GRAN SELECTION 2016 (80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot)
The combination with Merlot obviously makes it more compact and juicy. Ripe red cherry, wild strawberry and red oranges on the nose combine with notes of vanilla, cedar wood, tobacco and blood notes with hints of slate. Consistent on the palate where the tannic structure makes it powerful but in accordance with the roundness of the ripe fruit. Great potential for ageing.
In Maremma wines, the vigour and the fruit concentration are more impressive although, again, their balance and complexity.
BIRILLO IGT COSTA TOSCANA ROSSO 2018 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)
Airy and deep nose with pungent spiciness, ripe plum, chocolate and sandalwood with hints of charred wood. On the palate it is full, concentrated but balanced. Interesting finish.
MARSILIANA CRU IGT COSTA TOSCANA ROSSO 2016 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot)
Intense and developed nose with notes of black cherry, cloves and toast on a balsamic background. The sip is dry and vigorous with integrated tannins and a fruity persistence that invites to the second sip.
