Cosimo Gericke from Fattoria e Villa di Rignana

While strict Corona restrictions are slowly easing up in Austria and Germany, with restaurants, museums, attractions, and even borders reopening, Italy is still a bit more cautious with its measures. So, we'll have to hold off on trips to Italy for a while longer. Until then, I'll have to keep our #ChiantiClassicoCravings at bay with my blog posts. This time, I chatted with Cosimo Gericke from the wonderful Fattoria di Rignana winery on a video call, and we tasted the new vintages together.

Fattoria e Villa di Rignana – A Winery with History (and Stories!)

Fattoria e Villa di Rignana is nestled right in the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, just a few minutes' drive from the village of Panzano. This picturesque estate is surrounded by 120 hectares of vineyards, gardens, and olive groves, and even has its own chapel, along with a lovely agriturismo. The winery has quite a past: it was first mentioned in documents way back in the 11th century, and there's proof of grape cultivation from the year 1700. From the 17th century onwards, the estate belonged to the Florentine noble family Dè Ricci. Even back then, their family crest featured a hedgehog – because "Riccio" means hedgehog! And even with the current owner of Rignana, Cosimo Gericke, you'll find that spiky little creature on the wine and olive oil labels.

This sign tells many visitors: "You've arrived in paradise!"

The Virtual Wine Tasting with Cosimo Gericke

First things first, here's the best news: The latest vintages from Rignana have arrived in my warehouse and are ready to order right now! Usually, in spring, I visit "my" wineries to taste the new vintages – and Rignana is definitely one of them. Then I meet up with Cosimo for lunch at the Cantinetta, the restaurant at Rignana. Cosimo brings the new vintages to this meal, and we taste and chat about the new wines.

For reasons we all know too well, our cherished annual get-together couldn't happen this year. So, we decided to do a "virtual tasting" via video call. On one hand, it's super important for me to get as much background info as possible about the wines. But beyond that, a real friendship has grown between Cosimo and me over time, leading to lots of great chats about his wines.

Always a special moment: the arrival of the new vintages from Fattoria di Rignana

The Amazing New Vintages

Kicking off our virtual tasting was the Bianco di Toscana 2019 – that's the white wine made 100% from Sangiovese grapes, which Cosimo made for the first time last year with huge success. For this wine, Sangiovese grapes from younger vines are harvested early, then pressed right away. This way, the grapes don't release any color, and the wine stays white. Last year, Cosimo only produced 1,000 bottles, but this year – much to the delight of many white wine lovers, I'm sure – there are 2,600 bottles!

The Bianco 2019 also looks different now: it's being bottled in a Burgundy bottle, just like the Rosato. And what can I say: The 2019 Bianco vintage is incredibly fragrant! It tickles your nose with hints of apples and pears, plus a delicate touch of raspberry and lemon. Chilled, it's an absolute dream and an unbeatable delight for its category. I'd even dare to say: Sensational! Perfect as an aperitif after a tough day, or as an ideal food companion thanks to its beautiful, elegant Sangiovese acidity!

The only problem with this wine: the bottle always empties so fast... But good news, there's a new supply now!

Last year, Cosimo and I were still able to discuss the Bianco 2018 on the terrace of Fattoria di Rignana

Next up on our tasting list was the Rosato 2019. For a Rosato, the grapes are harvested and left on their skins for a few hours. Only then are the grapes pressed, which is how the wine gets its delicate rosé tint. And as always with Rosato, the 2019 is packed with strawberries, raspberries, and crisp cherries on the palate, plus a wonderfully elegant acidity – overall, it's a wine that's great before a meal, but also fantastic with food. My favorite pairing: fresh goat cheese with fresh bread and a little raspberry jam, plus a glass of Rosato – that's pure happiness.

Cosimo is also proud of his two wines: "When the Rosato and Bianco were being made during harvest last year, we were all far from thinking about Corona. So, I'm even happier now that both turned out so well. And I hope our guests and customers can bring a little bit of Rignana feeling home with them – at least until they can travel back to Italy to see us."

The pool is already being prepared with anticipation, says Cosimo. In the meantime, it's all about waiting, crossing our fingers, and drinking wine!

Modern technology makes it possible to taste wines together virtually.

To help pass the time until your next trip, the Chianti Classico 2017 is definitely perfect. I actually got to taste this one at the Chianti Classico Collection in February, but those extra three months in the bottle have given this wine an amazing boost. Harmony and power were the two words that immediately came to mind when tasting it with Cosimo. Plus, you get those classic Chianti Classico flavors like cherries, sour cherries, plums, and dark berries – a lovely spice, a nice finish, just a beautiful, typical wine, exactly what you know and love from Fattoria di Rignana.

The aging cellar at Rignana: this is where wines like Chianti Classico Gran Selezione and Il Riccio mature.

Two Rignana "Oldies" – but Real Goldies!

Cosimo and I had one more wine on our tasting list, even though I've had it in my selection for a while and, of course, already tasted it: the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015. What can I say: It went "Zoom!"... (and not just because of the video conferencing software Cosimo and I used for our meeting). This wine is amazing! After a year of bottle aging, this somewhat rough young wine has grown into a magnificent big one.

I was super impressed by how this wine presents itself now: aromas of dark, fully ripe fruits on the nose – cherries, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, plus a delicate spice of lovely black pepper paired with a pleasant minerality. Just one sniff makes you eager for that first sip. And it absolutely delivers on what the aroma promises – creating an incredibly balanced feeling on the palate, thanks to perfectly integrated tannins and harmonious acidity. With every single sip, you're practically enjoying the sunshine of summer 2015 and the perfect grapes of that vintage.

Then Cosimo said: "If you like this 2015 so much, let's try the Il Riccio 2015 too." So we did! The Il Riccio 2015, which is an IGT made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (so not a Chianti Classico), has been in my shop for a while, and I'd already tasted it... But I was really surprised by how this wine presents itself now. Just a reminder: same winemaker, same vintage, different grapes – but a totally different wine as a result.

Sure, you can taste the Rignana terroir, but deep dark red in the glass, smelling of all sorts of dark berries and open fire, with a full body, depth, and minerality – the 2015 isn't a "new" vintage, but it's a real insider tip! Best with a nice piece of game – it's a knockout!

Discover all the wines from Fattoria di Rignana

Because life is for celebrating!

Cosimo's takeaway from our virtual tasting together: “It's such a shame we can't welcome guests and visitors to Rignana right now. Because the wines are truly amazing and at their peak for drinking. But sadly, I can't taste them with anyone, can't show them to anyone. That's what I miss most at the moment.”

But maybe my blog post and a little something Cosimo and I came up with can bridge the gap for all of you who want to travel back to Panzano in Tuscany soon and enjoy Rignana's wines. Simply because life is for celebrating! Despite everything that's happening around us right now... or maybe even because of it.