Rocca delle Macie Chianti - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits

Rocca delle Macie's principal cellar is in the Chianti Classico area close to Siena and Florence, the historic and artistic heart of Tuscany. The founder, Italo Zingarelli purchased a 14th-century village called "Macìe", and the nearby Saint Alphonso’s Farm, in the area of Castellina in Chianti in 1973. The buildings underwent a large-scale restoration process, including a modernization of the existing cellars and the addition of brand new cellars, which have been continuously updated ever since. Thus, Rocca delle Macìe was born.

Rocca delle Macie is a young winery indeed, especially set alongside the centuries old history of so many of the famous wineries in the Chianti area. Nevertheless, in less than 30 years it has forged a reputation throughout the wine world as one of Chianti’s most highly regarded estates.

Beginning in the vineyard, selective herbicide methods are used to respect the environment and the workers. Fertilization is completely organic. In addition to producing extraordinary wines, they produce cold pressed olive oil from over 15 thousand olive trees and honey from the 18 hectares of flowers surrounding the beehives.

They have established a tradition of holding events, notably the annual Opera Singing competition launched in 1991 which attracts the talents of up-and-coming singers from around the world. Other events supported by the winery include bike races, car rallies as well as scientific and culinary seminars.

Chianti Vernaiolo

Produced in the best tradition of Chianti wine, Chianti Vernaiolo meets the strict appellation standards for percentage of grapes, low yields, alcohol volume and aging.

Grapes: Predominately Sangiovese; with Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia.

LCBO # 269589 $11.95
LCBO # 627026 1500ml. $19.95

Tasting- Bright ruby red, turning to garnet with age. Bouquet is intensely vinous with a light scent of violets. Balanced, dry, slightly tannic and becoming soft and velvety with the passage of time. Good structure.

Serving- When drunk young, Chianti can be served throughout a meal, even with white meats. When aged, it is a fine accompaniment for roasts, grilled meats, game and other full-flavoured dishes.

Chianti Classico DOCG

Produced in the best tradition of Chianti wine, this Chianti Classico meets the strict appellation standards for percentage of grapes, low yields, alcohol volume and aging. Can be cellared for at least 5-6 years.

Grapes: Sangiovese 90%; Canaiolo 5%; Merlot 5%.

LCBO # 741769 $17.95. Continuous availability at Vintages.

Tasting- Medium to deep ruby colour with aromas of sour cherry, cranberry, cedar, camphor and violets. Dry, crisp, balanced with a warm cranberry fruit tone coming on in the mid palate. Medium-bodied with a lingering, warm fruit with a crisp finish.

Serving- On a hot summer day, serve slightly chilled with barbecued spicy Italian sausage or with an array of Italian cold cuts (particularly proscuitto).

Ser Gioveto IGT

Produced exclusively with grapes from the Rocca delle Macìe vineyards. This wine is produced only in years of exceptional vintage. Rather than aging in large barrels, the wine spends 9 to 12 months in smaller 50 gallon French oak barriques, from the Allier region, and is then refined for at least 9 months in the bottle.

Grape: 100% Sangiovese, carefully selected.

LCBO # 964130 $49.95. (Vintages)

Tasting- Intense ruby red with reflections of garnet. Intense, ample bouquet, with hints of aged berries and a balanced bouquet of toasted aromas acquired from the wood of the barriques. Palate is warm, robust, and well balanced with an element of tannin.

Serving- Can be stored for long periods and should rest horizontally in a dark area at cellar conditions. Serve at room temperature not less than 65°F. It pairs beautifully with roasted red meats, wild game and dry cheeses.

Roccato IGT

Produced exclusively with grapes from the Rocca delle Macìe vineyards. This select wine is produced only in exceptional vintages. The Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are carefully selected and then vinified separately, beginning with traditional maceration of the must and grape skins, at least 15 days for the Cabernet and 13 for the Sangiovese. The wines are then stored separately in French oak barriques from the Allier region, approximately 9 months for the Sangiovese and 13 months for the Cabernet. Only then are they blended together and aged for three months in 775 gallon barrels made of the same oak as the barriques. The wine rests for another year in the bottle.

Grape: 50% Sangiovese grosso; 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

LCBO # 964130 $49.95. (Vintages)

Tasting- Intense ruby red, becoming garnet over time. Ample, persistent, elegant bouquet with a pronounced toasty component imparted by the barriques. Palate is dry, particularly soft and robust.

Serving- This wine can be stored for long periods at cellar conditions. A wine to be served at 65°-68°F, it is a wonderful companion to meats and game and is ideal for dry cheeses.