2011 Podere Il Palazzino, Chianti Classico, Argenina (RT93) As this wine moves into its 13th year it shows a relatively dark and brooding russet hue. Initially is reveals a bit of a reductive aspect, but once that has resolved (blown off) it shows a deep, brooding bouquet with notes of black cherry, dried black cassis, smokey prosciutto, earth dusted Tuscan brush and hints of campfire charr. The palate is a decided contrast revealing smooth, clean fruit and leads to soft acidic lift and a easy-going round finish. This bottling has matured well within the house style and is in the center of its peak drinking window. I did not decant this and served it directly from bottle, but if you choose this approach use slow, gentle pours. Pairs well with grilled meats, sausages, and hearty tomato based red sauced pasta dishes. Drink now-2030+ Tasted January 2025
This wine continues to be an impressive value in Chianti Classico with current vintages available in the US for under $30 and in some cases (direct import markets) in the lower $20s. In 2019 and coming forward it has been marketed as a Gran Selezione bottling, and at its current price represents one of the most reasonably priced wines of that designation.
Podere Il Palazzino is owned by the Sderci family and since the 1970s, when they first started producing wine, has been managed by Alessandro Sderci and now with his son, Edoardo. Argenina is the name of one of the oldest hamlets in the town of Monti, which is in the municipality of Gaiole, about 10 miles north of Siena. Around the inhabited hamlet, which is now completely restored, the company owns three hectares of vineyards, which are oriented southeast and southwest. The wines that are born from this soil are distinguished by their great harmony, freshness and floral aromas.
Chianti Classico Agenina, which was first produced in 1999, today is 100% Sangiovese and is crafted with handpicked grapes grown in the vineyard’s medium textured tufaceus sandstone soils, which lend enormous depth and masculinity to the wine. The grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts (natural fermentation) and are then aged for 30 months in used barrique and medium sized botti, and today sits under their Grosso Senesi bottling, which is also a Gran Selezione and is considered their flagship wine. The production of Argenina is around 25,000 bottles with the overall winery production at 80,000 bottles.
