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"LA COMMENDA," CHIANTI RISERVA, DOCG, 1998
Azienda Agricola Giacomo Marengo

"The brown edge of the color shows the wine's maturity, as does the sotto bosco (earthy) scent. It finishes warm, with black tannins emphasizing cinnamon and clove spice, wood extracts that make it a gentle, pleasing red for wild mushroom polenta."
88 Wine & Spirits April 2006
The 149 acre estate of Giacomo Marengo is located around the medieval fortress of Rapale between Arezzo and Siena. The vineyard from which these grapes are grown is located where a medieval Templar Church named "La Commenda" once stood.

Uncertified Organic Wine (Producer states they do not use artificial fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. While we cannot prove the veracity of this, we also have no reason to believe it is not true.)

Tasting notes: This delivers aromas and flavors of dark redberry fruit, chocolate and tar.  It is soft and velvety on the palate, beautifully structured and subtly complex.

 
Region: Tuscany
Classification: Chianti DOCG
Area of Production: Monte San Savino
Grape Variety: 90% Tuscan Sangiovese, 10%  Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Age of Vines: 35 years
Trellising System: Guyot
Production per Acre: 2.25 tons
Vinification Technique: Pressing first, then prolonged fermentation with Sangiovese in large Slovanian oak barrels and Cabernet in barriques.
Maturation: 80% aged 20 months in Slovenian oak and 20% aged 20 months in French barriques.
Total Acidity: 5.10 g/l
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Cases Produced: 825
RECENT AWARDS - 1997
90 - "...the 1997 Chianti Riserva La Commenda (90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) boasts a gorgeous bouquet of earth, camphor, licorice, tobacco, and sweet red and black fruits. Ripe, rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully knit as well as well-balanced, it will drink well for 8-10 years." Robert Parker 12/31/02
90 - "An aromatic red, with raspberries, blackberries and hints of lilac.  Medium-bodied, with fine, well-crafted tannins, and a fresh and fruity aftertaste.  Very fine.  Drink now through 2004.  800 cases made." Wine Spectator Nov. 2001