Fattoria La Lecciaia Sassarello Igt 2016

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Big & Bold
Country of Origin:	Italy
Wine Region:	Tuscany
Appellation:	Montalcino
Grape Varietal:	Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	12 bottles
$371.88 Per Case ($30.99/btl) Add to Cart

Tasting Notes

La Lecciaia is situated in Vallafrico, bordering some of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards of Montalcino (Biondi-Santi and Barbi). The land extends to over 60 hectares: 15 hectares of which are under vine, and more than half of that is used for the production of Brunello. The winery has been rebuilt and is equipped with modern winemaking technology, yet La Lecciaia still adheres to the old traditions of Brunello. The wines have excellent character and flavour thanks to the particular vineyard situation, soil structure, and excellent climate.

Sassarello is technically a "Super Tuscan" wine. Within Tuscany, there is a category of wines which do not conform to the regional DOCG rules and regulations set out under the Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino denominations. They are typically blends of the local Sangiovese grape with international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, but some are made from 100% international varietals. La Lecciaia produces two Super Tuscans - Il Baccanale, made in only in top vintages, and now Sassarello.

The grapes for Sassarello comes from estate vineyards in Montalcino, a blend of 50% Sangiovese, and equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Sangiovese was aged in traditional large oak barrels, like Brunello, while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot matured in smaller French oak barrique. The ageing wines spent just approximately one year in barrel, before blending, and then a further 6 months in bottle before release.

“Sasso” means stone in Italian, and Sassarello refers to the small stones found in the Montalcino vineyards.

Our Tasting Note: Medium deep red colour with slight garnet tinges. Rich, with earthy aromas of dark cherry, plum, cocoa, and a touch of cedar/sandalwood. Medium-bodied, round on the palate, with good acidity and fine tannins and a relatively long finish.

Menu Matches: Pair with meat dishes, particularly pasta with meat sauce. Will work with hamburgers, steaks, and short ribs alike, as well as earthier-style vegetarian dishes.

Critical Praise