Tuscany :

Off the Beaten Path

Father's Day Weekend

Step into the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where centuries of winemaking expertise have shaped a landscape of undulating vineyards, where time-honored traditions intertwine with modern innovation to produce wines of exceptional character and finesse.

This Father's Day week at Petit Philippe we invite you to venture off the beaten path to discover the other great wines from Tuscany - beyond familiar names like Chianti or Brunello.

Our featured showcase presents four delightful and quintessential Tuscan wines that go beyond Sangiovese, the reigning grape of the region, to offer a heightened tasting experience through varietal diversity.

The $25 Tasting Flight includes the premier white varietal of the region, Vernaccia, along with a Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, the first DOCG wine to appear in the Italian market, and two remarkable reds: Bolgheri Rosso and a Cabernet Franc based Super Tuscan.

And as you may have heard, DADS LOVE WINE! So for your upcoming Father's Day celebration, what better way to honor fathers than by treating them to an enjoyable afternoon of wine tasting and the opportunity to take home a few bottles of their favorites? These early summer wines are perfect for sharing at gatherings and festivities.

For our hours of operation and more information about Tuscany and the wines we will feature, please refer to the details below.

Happy early Father's Day!

Cheers,

Mark

History

In ancient times, the area of Tuscany was part of the Etruscan empire. The Etruscans were the first vintners to work the land. They trained their grapevines with natural, high-trellis supports like fig, olive, and nut trees. Eventually, the area was taken over by the Romans.

During the Medieval period, wine was a major commodity in Tuscany. Wine sales were documented as early as 1079 in association with the Mercato Vecchio in Florence. Local wine merchants formed a guild in 1282 in an attempt to promote and regulate their trade. Many of the Tuscan wines we know today—Chianti, Brunello, Trebbiano, and Vernaccia—can be traced back to the 14th century.

From the time of the post-World War II reconstruction through the 1970s and ‘80s, Tuscan wine production focused largely on quantity over quality. It was also during this period that many of the region’s large estates, which had been historically owned by local nobility, were sold to non-Tuscans. But the wine region went through a rebirth in the 1970s and ‘80s, which gave way to the premium quality regional wines that are world-renowned today. Meanwhile, the torch for Tuscan viticulture is being carried by the diverse mix of Tuscan, Italian, and foreign winemakers that have taken over the old estates—and introduced new ones.

Key Grape Varietals

Nearly two-thirds of Tuscany’s vineyards are planted with Sangiovese. It’s the region’s most important grape. Trebbiano is the most widely planted white variety, but as far as white wines go, Vernaccia and Vermentino have more to offer. In 2014, Tuscany produced nearly 2.78 million hectoliters of wine.

Sangiovese

The most widely planted grape in Tuscany is also the main variety in its most classic red wines: Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino. In 2014, 61.4 percent of the vines in Tuscany were Sangiovese. This variety does best in the region’s hillside vineyards. It results in medium- to full-bodied wines with lively acidity and firm tannins. Sangiovese-based wines tend to have an earthy character and distinctive sour and black cherry flavors. The best expressions are robust and age-worthy with additional herbal, spicy, toasty, and smoky notes.

Super Tuscan Varieties

In 2014, 7.7 percent of Tuscany’s vineyards were planted with Merlot, 6.3 percent with Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 percent with Syrah, and 1.3 percent with Cabernet Franc. These are the main varieties featured in the Bordeaux-inspired Super Tuscan blends. (Sangiovese is often used in these blends, as well.) Super Tuscans tend to be smooth and elegant with notes of cherry, plum, blackberries, and hints of nutty and woody flavors.

Trebbiano

On its own, this grape typically yields fairly neutral and light white wines, but it has had a successful run as a blending grape. In the past, it was commonly used as a component in Sangiovese-based wines, though that practice has gone out of fashion. However, it’s still a staple in some white blends and in Vin Santo. In 2014, Trebbiano accounted for 5.9 percent of Tuscany’s vines.

Vermentino

Though they only represented 2.1 percent of Tuscan vines in 2014, Vermentino-based wines are slowly gaining popularity. Vermentino tends to garner more of the spotlight in other Italian regions, but this hearty, late-ripening grape is slowly proving itself in coastal Tuscany as a wine that is able to translate the characteristics of the local terroir. At their best, these wines are fresh and balanced with notes of yellow peach, apricot, green apple, and citrus with a salty minerality.

Vernaccia

One of the region’s most historic wines, Vernaccia from San Gimignano was the first wine to receive the Italian DOC designation in 1966 and it ascended to DOCG status in 1993. Vernaccia tends to be crisp and floral with refreshing minerality. It made up 1.2 percent of vineyard plantings in Tuscany in 2014.

>> Tasting Flight Hours:

MYERS PARK:

4:30 - 7:30pm Thursday & Friday

1:00 - 7:30pm Saturday 

SOUTH END: 

5:30 - 9:00pm Thursday & Friday

1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday

1:00 - 5:30pm Sunday

>> Tasting Flight Offerings:

Montenidoli 'Fiore'

Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2020

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

$30 btl/retail

SUMMARY: The 'Fiore' is often described as the purest and most beautiful wine of San Gimignano due to its glowing appearance, and elegant aromatics that are provided by the Vernaccia varietal.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: 100% Vernaccia grown at 300m above sea level in limestone soils with marine sediments. Aged in stainless steel.

TASTING NOTE: A very pale lemon-yellow in the glass, this wine has an unique nose of cucumber, lemon and and white flowers. In the mouth the wine is vibrant, bright and crisp with a stony minerality accompanied by flavors of green apple and lemongrass. Perfectly balanced, with a delicate acidity and a clean finish. A great example of Tuscany's premier white varietal.

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pairs nicely with a variety of hard cheeses such as Pecorino Toscana. Also, Mezze platters that include asparagus and grilled vegetables highlight the aromatics of the Vernaccia.

Carpineto

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Riserva 2017

Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

$42 btl/retail

SUMMARY: A masterpiece of Tuscan winemaking. The Carpineto's meticulous vineyard management and long-standing dedication to traditional winemaking methods result in a wine that is deeply complex & exquisitely balanced. An ethereal bouquet of violets, cherries, and wood.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: Made from a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% other indigenous grape varieties. The grapes are carefully handpicked and sorted before undergoing a traditional vinification process that includes a long maceration on the skins and aging for two years in oak barrels. This meticulous winemaking process results in a wine that is rich, full-bodied, and deeply layered.

TASTING NOTE: In the glass, Carpineto's Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2017 has a deep ruby color with garnet hues. The nose is complex and elegant, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, leather, tobacco, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with velvety tannins and flavors of ripe black fruit, espresso, and dark chocolate. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of spice and tobacco.

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Traditionally, this wine is paired with cinghiale (wild boar), but Vino Nobile also does well with hearty sauces that are rich and tomato based. Think Bolognese for inspiration.

Grattamacco

Bolgheri Rosso 2021

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

$38 btl/retail

SUMMARY: This Bolgheri Rosso embodies the essence of Tuscany. Crafted by Grattamacco, which was founded in 1977 and was the second winery of the Bolgheri appellation, following Sassicaia. Grattamacco has lead the region in environmentally responsible farming, and was the first to use an Alberello or head-pruned method in Bolgheri.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese.

TASTING NOTE:  Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2021 entices the palate with its expressive taste profile, setting it apart from other wines. On the nose, it reveals inviting aromas of dark berries, cassis, and a hint of cedar, along with subtle floral notes. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and a touch of spice. Elegant and full with a fresh balsamic finish given by the Sangiovese.

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pair with grilled steak, roasted lamb, or aged cheeses. Its versatility and distinct character make it an excellent choice for special occasions or for those seeking a wine that exemplifies the remarkable wines of Bolgheri.

Tenuta di Arceno 'Arcanum'

Super Tuscan 2016

Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy

$79 btl/retail

SUMMARY: The 2016 is the first vintage composed of 100% Cabernet Franc from different vineyard blocks at Tenuta de Arceno. One built to age... yet is more than enjoyable it its youth, offering aromas of violets, roses and raspberries, with long and delicate spice notes. Seductive yet subtle.

VARIETAL/WINEMAKING:  100% Cabernet Franc from 12 Estate vineyard blocks — each one with superb exposure on sandy clay soils that excel every year producing the finest expressions of the varietal. Aged 12 months in 80% new French oak.

TASTING NOTE:  This beautifully complex pure Cabernet Franc wine expresses the herbal signature of this variety, with aromas of ripe plums, sweet mint, sage and thyme. The luscious palate gives way to cherries, wild strawberries and licorice followed by hints of cedar and toast. The finish lingers with undertones of white pepper and truffle. A truly elegant wine to be enjoyed for years to come. 

PAIRING SUGGESTION: Does best with grilled meats or with dishes that incorporate one or more of the following ingredients: green olives, portabella mushrooms, and/or black pepper.

We Will Have Your Order Ready for Pick-up at either Myers Park, or South End Store Locations!

 704.332.9910 (Myers Park) | 704.332.9913 (South End)

 mark@petitphilippe.com | www.petitphilippe.com

Wine Emergency? text us at 415.306.4283

BE WELL + STAY CONNECTED