From the heart of Panzano-in-Chianti’s Conca d’Oro, the sun-bathed amphitheater in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, comes this bellwether of the Super Tuscan movement, Petresco. Made since the early 1990s, this has been one of the rarest and most highly considered of the ‘Sangiovese-in-barrique’ style of internationally-styled Tuscan reds that has shined such a spotlight on the region. Its peers are few, but you can compare it with wines like Flaccianello, Cepparello, Sammarco and Fontalloro, all of which now cost well into the three digits. Organically grown, or, as proprietors Valeria and Luca Orsini like to say, ‘beyond organic,’ this is as meticulous a farming operation as you’ll ever come across, and the winemaking, too, is truly inspired. The 2020 Petresco, coming from another top quality vintage, is a big, intense bottle of red that, despite the fact it has been aged in mostly new French wood, shows a ton of pure Sangiovese aromatics (think brambly blackberry, buttery leather, wispy wild herb and star anise) and a ton of beautifully concentrated red fruit. As the review below states, it’s now packed with youthful fruit and a lot of tannin but, decanted, it still shows wonderfully. Personally, though, I’d put a few bottles in the cellar and concentrate on drinking up a case or two of the excellent, excellent 2021 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico (also 100% Sangiovese) in the meantime. Another great 2020 Super Tuscan, it would be a spectacular pairing with one of Dario Ceccetti’s Bisteccas in nearby Panzano but it is also the wine to choose when pasta with red sauce, sage butter ravioli or some perfectly-made hamburgers are on the menu! Both the 2021 Chianti Classico $34.99 and Petresco are in stock, but the latter will sell out quickly.

Vinous Media: The 2020 Petresco is 100% Sangiovese from the estate's highest-elevation blocks facing Lamole, where soils are especially rocky and the vines are older. Wildflowers, herbs, rocks, menthol and licorice soar out of the glass. This is an especially savory, expressive Sangiovese that emphasizes mineral and floral notes more than primary fruit. Petresco spent two years in 60-70% cask and the rest in barrique, followed by a year in cement. It remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Italy. Magnificent… 97 points