Vino al Vino 2017
Vino al Vino 2017
Perhaps, probably, no definitely the most beautiful wine festival in the world took place last weekend in Panzano in Chianti. What makes this annual gathering of top Chianti Classico winegrowers and their friends so special and unique?
Anyone who knows me a little knows that when I am asked about Vino al Vino, my eyes start to light up. In 2004, during my stay in Panzano in Chianti, I more or less stumbled across this festival. And I've tried to attend every year since then. I haven't always succeeded, but this year was my 12th anniversary.
Vino al Vino briefly explained
This small but very fine wine festival takes place every year on the third weekend in September, from Thursday to Sunday, in the piazza of Panzano in Chianti. The entrance fee (EUR 20) for this festival is paid by buying a Vino-al-Vino glass directly in the piazza. With this glass, you can taste the wines of the Unione di Viticoltori di Panzano winegrowers for all four days. This year there were twenty winegrowers. And there are very well-known and excellent companies with their wines (see below the members of the Unione Viticoltori di Panzano).
Vino al Vino
On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the village youth are also allowed to entertain the guests on the square. The young ladies and gentlemen, aged between six and sixteen, perform together with the local brass band and dance to the tune of American cheerleaders. All around, beaming mothers, fathers and guests of Vino al Vino. Later, there is live music on the piazza. And what could be nicer when the weather plays along than enjoying a glass or two of Chianti Classico with friends, with jazz music in the background and the rippling fountain in the middle. Above all this, a murmur about the taste of the individual wines, here and there you hear a "Ciaoooooo" and the joyful click of a kiss on the cheek. And not to forget: Giovanni's various sheep's milk cheeses are a culinary delight and Luca, with his unique and humorous paintings on the theme of life in and with Chianti Classico, provides another artistic touch.
Novità 2017 - A look back for the future
There was a side event for journalists, sommeliers and importers for the first time this year: a retrospective of the 2007 and 1997 vintages. Most of the winemakers presented one of their wines from these two vintages. The following, for example, could be found and tasted
Flaccianello from Fontodi 2007 and 1997
Petresco from Le Cinciole 2007 (from the magnum) and 1997
Admittedly, it was not really surprising that these wines presented themselves in top form, even more so that some of them could have spent a little more time and rest in the bottle (if there were any left).
But there were some very big and thoroughly positive surprises. Here are just a few: The 2007 and 1997 are always nice
Chianti Classico Riserva Fattoria di Rignana
Chianti Classico Riserva from the Fattoria di Rignana
Note the label of the 1997: I am not unhappy about this change to the current label.
The two vintages of the
Chianti Classici Riserva Le Fonti
Chianti Classico Riserva from Le Fonti.
This was my last sip and I remember it very strongly. Very elegant, balanced, still lively and expressive.
Tasting 1997/2007
The most beautiful thing to see, however, were the eyes of Giovanni d'Orsi, the owner and oenologist of Casaloste, when he tasted his 1997: there it was again, the sparkle in his eyes!
Viva Vino al Vino 2018!