(QUERCETO: comes from the Latin word for oak tree:quercus; the vineyard is located near an oak forest)
Ah, Tuscany! Why did I ever leave you? I had the opportunity to spend a year in Tuscany on an award-winning vineyard, and learn firsthand what was only book knowledge to me: pruning in the winter; bud-break in early spring;flowering; berry formation; veraison: color change (only when a certain level of sugar is reached) from green berries to a deep purple, if they’re red grapes, or to a golden green, if they’re white; and, finally, harvest, between late August and early November. But, alas, I left you! It will forever be a loss and a regret.
The red grape Sangiovese is the most widely-planted grape in Tuscany. It is the basis for the wines: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and the Super Tuscans. Querceto is mostly Sangiovese, with very little amounts of Canaiolo (a red grape) and Trebbiano (a white grape) to soften the finished wine. For an entry level Chianti - the vineyard also produces the higher ends Classico and Reserva - it is a very good Chianti with typical aromas and flavors: black cherry, plum, raspberry, earthiness, an herbal component (thyme? oregano? bay leaf?); it is medium-bodied, balanced (no single component dominates), with soft tannins.
Serve with tomato-based sauces, steak, burger.
Taste and see!