Tuscany, ItalyComplete, elegant, and satisfying, Falchini's 2015 Paretaio gets our vote as the greatest Super Tuscan value on the market. The renowned Falchini estate crafts its superb, barrique-aged Super Tuscan red from blend of Sangiovese (95%) and Merlot grown in the esteemed Paretaio vineyard just north of the hilltop village of San Gimignano. Falchini’s 2015 Paretaio casts a translucent mahogany-tinged ruby color from the glass alongside deep aromas of black cherries, wintergreen, leather, tobacco, and shiitake mushrooms. Chewy vanilla and tobacco-tinged Sangiovese fruit stains the palate accented by delicious barrel tones of toffee and vanilla, backed by noble Sangiovese tannins. Sangiovese’s distinctive leather and savory mushroom notes reappear on the Paretaio’s back-palate and segue the wine to its long, savory finish featuring complex suggestions of black cherries, cured meat, tobacco, and vanilla. Pair now and over the coming decade with pizza, meaty pasta dishes, rich Tuscan bean stews, and grilled porterhouse steaks.
A January 2021 newsletter selection
