Tenuta di Carleone Il Guercio 2023

Tenuta di Carleone Il Guercio 2023 is a captivating, high‑altitude expression of 100% Sangiovese from terraced vineyards above the picturesque village of Lamole in Tuscany. Picked late for maximum ripeness and crafted with a gentle, low‑intervention touch, it stands apart from more traditional Chianti styles with its vivid fruit and textural depth. Long maceration, whole clusters and natural fermentation give this wine a personality all its own—playful, contemplative and distinctly soulful.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Il Guercio 2023 shows a luminous, medium ruby colour with a slight translucence that hints at finesse rather than sheer power. The nose is lifted and aromatic: wild red cherries, pomegranate and blood orange peel mingle with violet, rose petal and a savoury edge of dried herbs, tea leaves and subtle earthy spice. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and juicy, with pure, crystalline red fruit wrapped in finely etched tannins. Notes of sour cherry, cranberry and raspberry are layered with hints of citrus zest, dried thyme, and a light, ferrous minerality typical of high‑altitude Sangiovese. The long 4–5 month maceration brings a silky, textural complexity without heaviness, giving a lingering, mouth‑watering finish. Enjoyable in its youth for its energy and brightness, it also has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, gaining additional savoury and tertiary nuances.

Production
Il Guercio 2023 comes from an old, terraced vineyard just outside Lamole in the Chianti Classico area, perched at around 650 meters above sea level. This altitude and the stony, poor soils create a cool, ventilated microclimate that preserves acidity and aromatic lift in the Sangiovese grapes. Harvesting is carried out late, by hand, to capture full physiological ripeness from this exceptional high‑lying site. The grapes are fermented in cement tanks with around 30% whole clusters, encouraging gentle extraction and aromatic complexity. Maceration extends for an unusually long 4–5 months, building texture and depth without aggressive tannins. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts, the grapes are softly crushed by foot, and the wine is bottled with as little added sulphur as possible, resulting in an honest, transparent expression of place and vintage.

Food & Serving
This elegant yet characterful Sangiovese pairs beautifully with classic Tuscan fare: bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, or rustic sausage and bean stews. It also works wonderfully with mushroom dishes, roast poultry, tomato‑based pasta, and aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C to highlight the wine’s aromatic lift and fine structure. A short decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended to open up the floral and herbal nuances, though its juicy, approachable profile also makes it very appealing straight from the bottle.

Producer
Tenuta di Carleone is a relatively young but already highly respected estate in Tuscany, known for its thoughtful, detail‑driven approach to Sangiovese. Located in the hills around Radda and Lamole, the winery has quickly gained a reputation for crafting pure, terroir‑focused wines that bridge tradition and modern sensitivity. With a philosophy that favours careful vineyard work, hand harvesting, native yeast fermentations and minimal intervention in the cellar, Tenuta di Carleone has become one of the most exciting names in contemporary Chianti Classico. Il Guercio, in particular, showcases the estate’s willingness to explore less conventional methods—like extended maceration and whole‑cluster fermentation—to reveal new, expressive dimensions of Sangiovese at high altitude.