Handford Wines

This is a relatively new name on the Chianti Classico horizon. The Estate has been producing wine and Olive oil for many generations but it is only since Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi took over the running of the property in the mid 90’s that it began to achieve some of its true potential. The total area of the property amounts to 60 hectares, 18 under vine and 10 planted in olive trees. The vines are planted on gentle slopes facing southeast at an altitude of 300 to 450 metres. Sangiovese is the prominent variety with some Canaiolo Nero, Malvasia del Chianti, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon make up the rest of the vineyard. Marco Ricasoli is totally committed to Chianti’s indigenous varieties, from the 2001 vintage the I.G.T. Geremia, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, will be the Estate’s only example devoted to a more international flavour as opposed Chianti’s true traditions. The new winery was completed in time for the 2000 vintage; it is equipped with the most modern facilities. It gives Marco and his winemaker Attillo Pagli the chance to exploit the full potential of his vineyards. A combination of old and newer vineyards (more intensely planted), short pruning, planting of grass between rows of vines as well as green pruning and cluster thinning is now normal practice. Hand picked grapes that are placed in small baskets with 3 separate pickings of the vineyards ensure that only the ripest fruit is harvested. With each new vintage Rocca di Montegrossi is producing wines that demand attention. All the red wines fermented in Allier vats and are matured in a combination of Allier vats or barriques for about 12-18 months (depending on the wine) and are bottled without filtration. In years like 2000 and 2002, very difficult vintages; if the results are not as good as Marco Ricasoli would like, the Riserva and I.G.T are declassified and only a Chianti Classico is produced. These balanced intense wines show excellent structure with lovely refined overtones, they are traditional Chianti’s with a touch of modernity.

The Wine

The superb 2001 Vin Santo vies with the dessert wine of nearby San Giusto a Rentennano, made, coincidentally, by Marco Ricasoli’s cousins, decadent in its sweetness and richness, staggering in its density and viscosity, packed with lush and luscious sensations of hazelnuts, apricots, raisins, and brown sugar. Almost too thick to swallow, the wine appears to be good for another 20-25+ years of life. An impressive lineup of wines from Montegrossi, especially the phenomenal Vin Santo.

Single Bottle: £65.00

In a case of 12: £61.75