2016-C Pietro Beconcini Reciso Toscana Sangiovese IGT, Tuscany, Italy (750ml)   

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Made from 100% organically-farmed Sangiovese fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, glass-lined cement vats. The must underwent a five-week maceration on the skins. The resulting wine was aged for 24 months in large Slovenian oak barrels and an additional 12 months in the bottle before being released. Dark garnet color. Complex, layered aromas of dark berries and black cherries with notes of fennel and dusty earth. The palate is dry with flavors of brandied cherries, blueberry chutney and dark chocolate. It is structured wine with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, spiced finish.

The history of this winery began in the early 1950’s when current owner Leonardo Beconcini’s grandfather, Pietro Beconcini, purchased the land he and his family had been working as sharecroppers from the Marquis Ridolfi. Their family was one of the first in Tuscany to free themselves from the then-prevalent sharecropping system. Pietro Beconcini Agricola initially produced a variety of products, but eventually (under the direction of Leonardo’s father) became focused solely on winemaking.

Leonardo’s desire to grow only indigenous grape varieties began to take shape in the 1990s, with the first vintage of a monovarietal Sangiovese in 1995. A”ter taking the reins of the business from his father in 1997, and while making selections from ancient vines, Leonardo came across an unfamiliar grape variety—simply called “X” at the time—that dated back over 150 years. Leonardo continued to plant and cultivate “X” for several years, making noteworthy wines from its fruit. A”ter repeatedly hitting dead-ends trying to identify the grape, in 2004, Leonardo invested in DNA analyses; the tests confirmed the mystery grape was in fact Tempranillo. Today Pietro Beconcini lays claim to being the only producer of Tempranillo in Tuscany—which we were delighted to feature as one our monthly selections last month.