Donna Laura Bramosia Chianti Classico 2014
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2021-
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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Wine
Spectator
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Robert
Parker
The story of Donna Laura Wines is a nomadic discovery of heritage and matriarchal devotion as linear as the winding roads that weave through the hillsides and vineyards of Tuscany. The history follows vintner Lia Tolaini Banville from her birthplace in Canada to her ancestral home outside the city of Lucca, where at the age of six on her family's annual summer holiday, Lia met her Aunt Laura who would become a driving force in in her life . Laura was mother to three rough-and-tumble boys and immediately bonded with Lia. Thus began the tradition of yearly visits where during the warm summer days and nights Laura would instill in Lia an appreciation for Italian culture, history, music and most of all art. Laura's presence in Lia's life would inspire her as a mother, cook,
In 2004 an opportunity arose to write a new chapter in the story, this time in Castelnuovo Berardenga with the production of the Chianti wine label Donna Laura. A loving tribute to the woman whose lessons of family, tradition and honor would share double billing with Lia's own heritage. Roman gods Venus, Bacchus and Cupid personifying Lia's children adorn the labels of Donna Laura Wines, celebrating this legacy of devotion to family and affirming the adage ' Who turns, who turns , always at home goes to end ' - no matter where you go or turn you will always end up at home.
The approach to viticulture and winemaking at Donna Laura reflects the nurturing, wholesome environment shaped by these strong women. In the vineyards an absolute respect for the soil, vines and future of the land is cultivated through careful and constant attention. These practices include green harvesting as necessary, planting cover crops to enrich the nutrients in the soil and forgoing the use of harmful chemicals to maintain a pristine and sustainable ecosystem in optimal balance. In the winery organic principles are applied by incorporating modern technology, sparing usage of sulfites and a sterile environment all while honoring the traditions of this historic region.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
One of the first wine regions anywhere to be officially recognized and delimited, Chianti Classico is today what was originally defined simply as Chianti. Already identified by the early 18th century as a superior zone, the official name of Chianti was proclaimed upon the area surrounding the townships of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole, just north of Siena, by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany in an official decree in 1716.
However, by the 1930s the Italian government had appended this historic zone with additonal land in order to capitalize on the Chianti name. It wasn’t until 1996 that Chianti Classico became autonomous once again when the government granted a separate DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) to its borders. Ever since, Chianti Classico considers itself no longer a subzone of Chianti.
Many Classicos are today made of 100% Sangiovese but can include up to 20% of other approved varieties grown within the Classico borders. The best Classicos will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and be full-bodied with plenty of ripe fruit (plums, black cherry, blackberry). Also common among the best Classicos are expressive notes of cedar, dried herbs, fennel, balsamic or tobacco.