Bindi Sergardi, La Ghirlanda, Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy, 2016

About the Producer
Bindi Sergardi's origins can be dated back to 1349. Gentlemen, Nobles full of valor, great agriculturists, captains, and bishops, for 23 generations the family has been dedicated to wine making in Siena.

The Bindi Sergardi family is originally from Montalcino; they moved to Siena by enrolling in the Monte or Order of the People. Numerous family members took an active part in the political-administrative life of the Sienese State: among them we remember Niccolò di Giovanni who, in 1463, was a member of the Judiciary of the Republic, called Consistory; in 1496 he was consul of the Mercanzia.

Achille was Master of Customs Duties on Salt in 1519; his son Niccolò in 1530 was sent to speak for Siena to Pope Clement VII, then at war against Siena, who opposed the return of the Medici of Florence. Niccolò was one of the most intransigent patriots who worked in favor of the freedom of Sienese institutions, threatened by the armies of Charles V between 1552 and 1557.

Chiara, daughter of Elisabetta Bindi Sergardi and wife of Alessandro Casini, carries on the company during the years of war and communism in Italy. Fatherless at the age of 17 and a war widow, she passed on to her family the spirit of resilience and love for agriculture.

Alessandra Casini Bindi Sergardi, with her father Nicolò, has been managing the family's estates since 2005. Audacity, integrity and authenticity are her creed and the guidelines for high quality production.

About the Wine
Intense ruby red in color. An ample and complex bouquet, with distinct notes of flowers, fresh fruit and spices. The palate is vigorous and vibrant, a lovely acidic vein fused with a loto of flavor make it an ample and balanced wine. Elegant and soft tannins. The finish and aftertaste are persistent and lingering. A true and authentic expression of sangiovese. Traditional accompaniments are red meat (both roasts and salted), game and mature cheeses. Modern cuisine pairs this wine successfully with typical Mediterranean first courses.

'La Ghirlanda' from Bindi Sergardi is a very high-quality Chianti Classico made from sangiovese and a small amount of complementary varietals. Aged in old oak barriques for 10-15 months, this is a complex and delightful wine with quality that belies its very affordable price point.

Chianti Classico is at the heart of the broader Classico region, and is where the best wines come from. It has its own separate DOCG (appellation) and symbol - the black cockerel, symbol of Florence in its battles with Sienna.

Decanters Steven Spurrier introduced me to the beautiful and hugely talented Alessandra, warmly recommending her wines at a wine fair some years ago. Steven was right. The Bindi Sergardi wines are quite exceptional; made from grapes from their vineyards outside Sienna that the family have worked since 1349, regularly scoring in recent vintages 93, 94, even 95 points.

Alessandra, the 23rd generation of her family, designed the striking labels, inspired by the painted coats of arms on the ceiling of her grandmothers bedroom.

Vinification and aging: fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats where maceration lasts 16/18 days at a controlled temperature of 28/30° C. Shortly after malolactic fermentation the wine is transferred into oak barrels. The bottled wine then remains stored in the cellar for refinement prior to its release.

Grape / Blend
100% Sangiovese

Origin
Tuscany, Italy

Tasting Notes
Has a lot more generosity and roundness than often found in Chianti. Very appealing red and black berry fruit with an aromatic, floral nose, and lots of flavour. Smart and stylish.

Review by Ian Blackburn - 93+ Points

Product Size: 750ml