Le Cinciole Camalaione Toscana IGT

Camalaione Toscana IGT from Le Cinciole

The super Tuscan with the makings of a real treat

With Camalaione, Le Cinciole has established a super Tuscan that can justifiably be counted among the great reds of Tuscany. With this cuvée made from 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 percent Syrah and 15 percent Merlot, Valeria and Luca Orsini, the owners of Le Cinciole, prove that great international red wines do indeed exist in Tuscany. And in top quality without tearing too big a hole in the wallet. The grapes for the Camalaione come from the estate's oldest vineyards, which have a vine 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 terroir in an unadulterated way. Or to put it another way: this is "Panzano internationale" in a glass - in such a rich purple-violet color that it almost looks like black. And the Camalaione tastes exactly the same: dark fruits, spices, pepper and cocoa, which leave a lasting, dense impression on the palate. A wine for a cozy winter evening in front of the crackling fireplace... And how it all comes about: alcoholic fermentation takes place in 500-litre oak barrels in the wine cellar, which are open at the top. This allows the mash cake and must to be mixed again and again by hand. This fermentation process takes around 20 to 25 days, after which the young wine is transferred to new barrique barrels for malolactic fermentation, where it is then allowed to mature and rest for 18 to 30 months. Then at least another twelve months of bottle ageing on top - and the Camalaione is ready, a real treat.

The Podere Le Cinciole winery in Chianti Classico

The vineyards of Le Cinciole cover an area of 30 hectares. Incidentally, the name Le Cinciole is derived from the Latin term "Le Terre di Quintus", which means "The Land of Quintus". The small, medieval village of Panzano in Chianti is within sight - the Tuscan must-sees of Florence and Siena are also just a few kilometers away. Here, in the heart of the world-famous and traditional Chianti Classico wine region, Valeria and Luca Orsini have been running the Podere Le Cinciole winery for more than twenty years. The vines grow on an area of 11 hectares at an altitude of around 400 meters to 450 meters above sea level - mostly the autochthonous Tuscan grape variety, Sangiovese. However, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah can also be found in the gently undulating vineyards. Around 1,000 olive trees also thrive on an area of five hectares. An excellent extra virgin olive oil is pressed from the fruit - cold, of course. Since 2002, the winery has been certified in accordance with CE regulations for organic farming.

Whoever says viticulture in Panzano must also say organic!

For Valeria and Luca, organic goes much further than the official certification: Instead of using pesticides, for example, they specifically sow grasses, cereals and flowers between the vines to maintain the ecological balance in the vineyard. Not only does this look beautiful, but butterflies and fireflies flutter through the vineyards again. Another organic measure: there are often rose bushes at the front of the rows of vines that act as an early warning system for mildew: If the roses are attacked by mildew, there is still enough time to strengthen the vines against the fungus - fully organically, of course. The condition of the vines is also monitored by sensors. If there is a problem, action can be taken immediately. The result: the vines are optimally cared for and ultimately deliver the best possible quality. In addition, all organic waste is collected, composted and returned to the great cycle of nature. And another energy plus: the electricity for the entire winery is generated using the estate's own solar panels. That is 100 percent organic - from A to Z!

Red and rosato: wines with terroir and depth

Valeria and Luca's actions are guided by one major goal: To create a connection between quality, tradition and landscape with their wines and products that is fully in harmony with nature. The two winegrowers are very keen to ensure that their wines reflect the unmistakable terroir of Panzano in Chianti, this unique minerality. Whether red wine from international grapes or wines from the autochthonous Sangiovese grape variety. If you pour yourself a glass of Le Cinciole, you get pure Panzano in your glass! The main protagonist in the range is, of course, the Chianti Classico: 100 percent Sangiovese. A second, pure Sangiovese is the Riserva Aluigi - a genuine, powerful "Panzanese". The third pure Sangiovese in the group is the Petresco - undoubtedly the top wine of the house. Only the best grapes are used for this. And last but not least: at Le Cinciole, the fresh Rosato is also made exclusively from the classic "Chianti grape". For the powerful Camalaione, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are bottled. Grapes from young vineyards - namely 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Merlot - are vinified in the Cinciorosso. 

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Panzano in Chianti

Luca Orsini & Valeria Viganò Orsini

Ruggero Mazzilli

11 ha of which 11 ha are classified as Chianti Classico

Clay, slate, sandstone

Southeast

9,000 vines per ha

Guyout and Kordon