2018 Mannucci Droandi Chianti Classico Ceppetto Alto DOCG

• 94 Point Vintage, Vinous Media
• "Open & Dynamic" ~WinesCritic
• "Powerfully Builds up on the Palate" ~Falstaff
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About the Wine

Mannucci Droandi is a family-owned artisanal winery that has early origins in farming and winemaking. In the 18th century, the Droandis were farmers in Carmignano and the Mannuccis were landowners in Valdarno. Today the estate is run by Maria Grazia Mammuccini. Committed to the traditions of her family, but also to innovation, she carries forward what previous generations had built up.

Maria works hand by hand with Roberto Droandi, also named the "Lord of the Vines." by the magazine Italia A Tavola. Just as his nickname implies, he's the mastermind behind the vineyard and the cellar. He uses responsible viticulture in the vineyards, and in 2000, the winery was certified organic.

Droandi has an iconic location and is surrounded by some of the most iconic and classical wineries in Tuscany. The estate is only a few miles away from Carnasciale, Riecine, Montevertine; next to iconic Chianti producer, Badia a Coltibuono and Il Borro (Ferragamo's estate), and 3km from Petrolo hills.

Mannucci Droandi owns two different vineyards: Campolucci and Ceppeto. Campolucci, meaning “field of the holy wood”, consists of a grand farmhouse that houses the winery and cellars, along with specialized vineyards and olive groves. The vineyards are situated on the eastern slope of the Chianti mountains, above sea level at 250m. Ceppeto is located in one of the best areas of the Chianti Classico appellation. It hosts more vineyards and olive groves planted around a large, stone 18th-century farmhouse. This is on the east side of the Chianti mountains, 400m above sea level.

If you want to learn the fascinating story of the Gallo Nero. Click HERE.

Mannucci Droandi's vineyards are planted in their majority with Chianti's great queen, Sangiovese. The cellar, managed by talented winemaker Gianfrancesco Paoletti, is equipped with state-of-the-art enological equipment and a mix of renewing older vine systems with new planting systems. Their wines are high quality and a great expression of the terroir.

With multiple 90+ reviews from major wine critics, including James Suckling who said this is a "fruity and savory" Chianti and WinesCritic describing its "excellent quality and brightness," the 2018 Mannucci Droandi Chianti Ceppetto Alto DOCG certainly lives up to the family name.

Ceppetto Alto is a wine exclusive to Big Hammer Wines. This wine is highly allocated.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Aromas of baking spice and cedar on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and notes of blackberry jam, mocha, and clove with a toasty long finish. This is a fruit-focused wine with cherry and kirsch shining through.

Whether you cellar this wine or enjoy it now, it will pair beautifully with a meat and mild cheese charcuterie board or with a hearty roast.

Critical Reviews

Open and dynamic in the main profile it shows notes of red flowers, mandarin peel, acacia, and jasmine. Medium body, soft tannins of excellent quality, and a bright and well-progressive finish. Drink now. ~91 WinesCritic.com

Powerful ruby red with an impenetrable core. The bouquet opens up to spicy components such as ivy and eucalyptus, green pepper, and sandalwood, with forest berries and coffee in the background.Powerfully builds up on the palate, shows good grip and a firm structure, compact core, goes into the final with a pull, and stays for a long time.~90 Falstaff.

Black fruit and cooking spice on the nose. A fruity but savory, medium body with fine, firm tannins. There’s a salty and mineral character here, too. Toasty finish. Drink now." ~90 James Suckling.

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