Harmony with Nature - Tenuta di Ghizzano

"When the fruits of the earth come from a place in harmony with nature, there is already the potential for true excellence." It's hard to dispute the assumption of this statement on the labels of the Tenuta di Ghizzano wines. To further this creed, the estate is farmed using biodynamic principles and its farming is certified organic.  

This quartet, indeed, sings with harmony. Each wine overdelivers for its price point. The Il Ghizzano Rosso, Venerosso 2016 and Nambrot drink the most easily now, and each offers a distinctly different drinking experience. I fell head-over-heels for the Il Ghizzano Rosso!

94
2015 Venerosso Terre di Pisa DOC $35
Electric in its intensity, this 70% Sangiovese blended with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon displays tension with balance. Its waterfall of refreshing acidity focuses the plump but polished mid-palate on this full-bodied wine. The lightly clenching tannins need to relax, and given the excellent concentration of pure fruit, there is plenty of time for that. That fruit sings with the sweetness of red and black cherries and boysenberries. The lingering finish brings in scintillating leather and earth tones that pump up the complexity. This has spectacular potential, and time will elicit much more. NB This is the 30th vintage of the Venerosso.
Drink: 2022-27 

93
2016 Venerosso Terre di Pisa DOC $35
While incredibly young, this is more ready to drink than the 2015. It can even be enjoyed today. The pretty red currants, dried cranberries and rhubarb give this wine a lightness and lift that smartly counter the full-ish body and mid-palate heft. There's a beautiful lilac and dried rose petal note that adds intrigue as well as leathery hints that sneak in on the lingering, savory finish. The tannins are sandy but not drying and the zippy acidity gives good tonic nip.
Drink: 2020-24

93 
2016 Nambrot Costa Toscana IGT $45
The 2016 marks the 20th vintage of this 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Petit Verdot blend. Lush and sexy, this wine is layered with savory and peppery spices. Full-bodied with a plush mid-palate and scruffy tannins, the zingy acidity pulls the concentrated black cherry and cassis flavors into a lively finish with excellent length and minerally intrigue. 
Drink: 2020-26

92*
2018 Il Ghizzano Rosso Costa Toscana IGT $20
As fluid as silk on the palate, this wine was an absolute delight to drink. With time in the glass, the perfume begins to smell heady with fresh flowers, much like a florist shop! The Sangiovese dances with lightness on the palate while the 5% Merlot contributes just a dollop of mid-palate weight. This tastes of ripe strawberries, red cherries and tangy, dried cranberries. Tender tannins cuddle the moderately persistent finish lifted with scintillating acidity.
Drink: 2020-24