Le Cinciole Camalaione Toscana IGT

Camalaione Toscana IGT from Le Cinciole

The super tuscan with the stuff for delight

With the Camalaione a super tuscan has established itself in Le Cinciole, which can rightfully be counted among the great reds of Tuscany. With this blend of 70 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 per cent Syrah and 15 per cent Merlot, Valeria and Luca Orsini, the owners of Le Cinciole, prove that the great international red wines do exist in Tuscany. And in a top quality without tearing a too big hole into the wallet. The Camalaione grapes come from the oldest vineyards of the estate, with a density of up to 9,000 plants per hectare. Due to the dense planting, the vines root even deeper so as not to compete with each other. The result is very mineral wines from international grape varieties, which at the same time reflect the genuine terroir. Or to put it another way: "Panzano internationale" is available in the glass here - in such a rich purple-violet that it almost looks like black. The Camalaione tastes the same: dark fruits, spices, pepper and cocoa leave a lasting, dense impression on the palate. A wine for a pleasant winter evening in front of the crackling fireplace… And how does it all happen: the alcoholic fermentation takes place in 500 litre oak barrels, which are located in the wine cellar and open to the top. This means that mash cakes and must can be mixed again and again by hand. This fermentation takes about 20 to 25 days, after which the young wine is transferred to new barrels for malolactic fermentation, where it is allowed to mature and rest for 18 to 30 months. Then at least another twelve months of bottle ripening - and the Camalaione is ready, a real delight.

The Podere Le Cinciole winery in Chianti Classico

The vineyards of Le Cinciole cover an area of 30 hectares. The name Le Cinciole is derived from the Latin "Le Terre di Quintus", which means "the land of Quintus". Within sight is the small medieval village of Panzano in Chianti - the Tuscany must-see lakes of Florence and Siena are also just few kilometres away. Valeria and Luca Orsini have been running the Podere Le Cinciole winery for more than twenty years in the heart of the world-famous and rich in tradition Chianti Classico wine region. On an area of 11 hectares, at an altitude of between 400 and 450 metres above sea level, the vines grow and on the biggest part the autochthonous grape variety of Tuscany, the Sangiovese. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah can also be found in the gently undulating vineyards. In addition, around 1,000 olive trees thrive on an area of five hectares. From their fruits is cold pressed an excellent Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva. Since 2002 the winery is certified according to the EC regulation as organic agriculture estate.

Anyone who says viticulture in Panzano must also say organic!

For Valeria and Luca, organic goes much further than official certification requires: for example, instead of using pesticides, grasses, cereals and flowers are planted between the vines to maintain the ecological balance in the vineyard. Not only does this look beautiful, but butterflies and fireflies are fluttering through the vineyards again. Another organic measure: on the front side of the rows of vines there are often rose bushes that act as a mildew early warning system. If the roses are attacked by mildew, there is still enough time to strengthen the vines against the fungus - of course fully organic. In addition, the condition of the vines is monitored by sensors. If there is a problem, immediate action can be taken. The result: the vines are optimally supplied and ultimately deliver the best possible quality. In addition, all organic waste is collected, composted and returned into the great cycle of nature. Another energy plus: the electricity for the entire winery is generated with the company’s own solar panels. That is 100 per cent organic - from A to Z!

Red and Rosato: wines with terroir and depth

The actions of Valeria and Luca are guided by a great goal: to create with the wines and the products a connection between quality, tradition and landscape that is completely in harmony with nature. The two winegrowers are very concerned that their wines reflect the unmistakable terroir of Panzano in Chianti, and its unique minerality. Whether red wine from international grapes or wines from the autochthonous grape variety Sangiovese. Who pours himself Le Cinciole, gets Panzano pure into the glass! The main actor in the range is of course Chianti Classico: 100 per cent Sangiovese. A second, pure Sangiovese is the Riserva Aluigi - a genuine, strong "Panzanese". The third pure Sangiovese in the alliance is the Petresco - undoubtedly the top wine of the house. Only the best grapes are used. And last but not least: in Le Cinciole, the fresh Rosato is also made exclusively from the classic Chianti grape. For the mighty Camalaione, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah come into the bottle. Grapes from young vineyards are vinified for the Cinciorosso - namely 70%  Sangiovese, 15%  Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%  Syrah and 5%  Merlot.