Carandelle 2018 – Podere San Cristoforo.

Sangiovese time again. In this review the 2018 vintage of the Carandelle by Podere San Cristoforo. Labelled as Maremma Toscana DOC it has its roots in Tuscany’s Maremma region, a peninsula that is receiving growing praise for its wines. 

About the Winery 

Being ran by Lorenzo Zonin this upcoming winery managed to become successful in a short window of time. Lorenzo’s family is not new to making wine however. This trade has been in their vines for generations.

Following biodynamical principals this boutique winery gets the best out of its vineyards and vines. Their pillars to success? No use of chemicals, guidance by the biodynamical calendar, biodynamic preparations in the vineyards, happy animals that live and work the vineyards, strong vines and low intervention winemaking.

About the Wine 

The wine label shows a picture of an Ox in the vineyard, displaying the grape growers heroic and majestic companion that works aside him in the vineyard, as was done in the old days.

Carandelle comes from a blend of 6 different Sangiovese sub-varieties, selected in some historic Tuscan vineyards and propagated in the “Carandelle” vineyard. This is the quintessence of Sangiovese, showcasing the best the grape has to offer.

For the production stainless steel is used during fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels and further ageing for 10 months on French oak.

In the glass a bright ruby red colour. The nose of the wine gives you the typical cherries that come with Sangiovese, accompanied by black currants, floral notes and spices. On the palette you will find a Sangiovese that is surprisingly soft and smooth. The wine has the fresh acidity you expect, but it travels graciously through your mouth. The fine and silky tannins play a strong role in this, delivering a friendly exit and warm goodbye.

In conclusion: Tuscan’s sun on a soft silk bed, a wine that makes you smile. 

DWA score: 91/100 Robert Parker Score: 92/100 🏅

Carandelle is part of this month’s VINVIN Favourite Box, and also available by the bottle. You can find it through this link.  Available in The Netherlands for €27,49 per individual bottle.

Price:                    €27,49

Taste date:           September 2022

Score:                   91/100 DWA Score

Website:              Podere San Cristoforo