Wine of the Week 12/17/19

Castello La Leccia Vivaio del Cavaliere IGT 2018
Regularly $14.99/On Sale for $12.96

Francesco Daddi (not the Italian Tenor) is a young man running an old family property. Dating from 1077, the original castle has survived numerous wars during which it was burned out, bombed, and occupied. After being converted from a castle fortress to a country manor in the 18th century, it was bought by Francesco’s family in 1922. Completely rebuilt today as a family residence, inn, restaurant and winery, the estate includes 32 acres of organically-tended vineyards and olive groves.

Though all the La Leccia vineyards are within the region of Chianti Classico, this particular wine often falls below the 80% minimum level of Sangiovese required for the regional designation.  Hence, it is classified as an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica).  Daddi jokingly refers to it as a “Mini-Tuscan,” riffing off the region’s most famous IGTs, the so-called “Super-Tuscans.”  

The wine is named for the newer vineyard planted on the site of the 16th century knight (Cavaliere) and lord of the castle‘s “Vivaio” (fish-nursery). 

Certified Organic, La Leccia uses minimal quantities of copper and sulphur in the vineyards, and plants barley, mustard, and clover between the rows of vines, using compost derived from the pomace and stalks.   80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera.