Taste an array of quintessential Tuscan wines alongside a five-course menu by Chef Ron Paprocki. Rosenthal Wine Merchant’s Blake Johnson will be on hand to pour, inform, and discuss!
$350/per person
A Note on Chianti by Bret Csencsitz
I love Chianti. I particularly enjoy the variety of its primary grape, sangiovese, which enables the wines to range from lively, spicy, and fresh to bold, brooding, and serious. I invite you to explore the complexity of this great wine region with me on September 20th over a five-course menu by Chef Paprocki. Joining us will be Blake Johnson from the one and only Rosenthal Wine Merchants.
Together we will examine Chianti’s charms and engage our senses for a deeper understanding of why these wines are special, centering on four producers: Podere le Boncie, Piemaggio, Montevertine and Fèlsina.
Podere le Boncie is an intriguing story. Winemaker Giovanna Morganti was given a parcel of land by her father, also a winemaker. The small 7.5 acre parcel is located in the San Felice region where she is being lauded as one of the most exciting new producers in Chianti. Giovanna planted mostly sangiovese but also few other indigenous varietals for blending, and her farming follows biodynamic guidelines. Her Chianti Classico Riserva, “Le Trame,” is indeed intriguing.
Piemaggio “le fioraie” Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 is made in only the best vintages by Piemaggio, which is from the Castellina area in Chianti Classico. This 90% sangiovese wine is from one of the important vineyard sites of Fioraie in Castellina. The wines are serious and complex.
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte, while technically a Super Tuscan, is produced as a traditional chianti and is made with 100% sangiovese. It is one of the most sought-after wines from the region and is recognized the world over as a powerhouse. The 2019, while still young, is seductive, rich, and complex. I am excited to taste it now and to see where this wine goes in the next 10 plus years.
In contrast, at almost 30 in the bottle, Fèlsina “Rancia” 1995 is a beautiful expression that is fully developed now and reveals the power of this region’s aging potential. The Rancia bottling from this highly regarded winery is produced from site that sits atop the vineyard.
Gotham wine dinners are designed to educate and entertain. Each dinner will feature a winemaker or specialist to guide us through the experience alongside a menu from Chef Paprocki that is inspired by the region.
I hope you will join us next week!
