Vino al Vino 2017
Vino al Vino 2017
Maybe, probably, no, definitely the most beautiful wine festival in the world happened last weekend in Panzano in Chianti. What makes this annual gathering of top Chianti Classico winemakers and their friends so special and unique?
Anyone who knows me a bit knows my eyes light up when I talk about Vino al Vino. Back in 2004, I pretty much stumbled upon this festival while I was staying in Panzano in Chianti. And ever since, I've tried to be there every year. I haven't always made it, but this year was already my 12th anniversary!
Vino al Vino, explained simply
This small but super lovely wine festival happens every year on the third weekend of September, from Thursday to Sunday, right in Panzano in Chianti's main square (the Piazza). You pay the entry fee (€20) by buying a special Vino al Vino glass right there on the Piazza. This glass lets you taste wines from the winemakers of the Unione di Viticoltori di Panzano association for all four days. This year, there were a good twenty winemakers! And some really well-known and excellent wineries are among them, sharing their wines (check out the members of the Unione Viticoltori di Panzano below).
Vino al Vino
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the village kids even get to entertain the guests in the square. These young ladies and gentlemen, probably between six and sixteen years old, perform with the local brass band, dancing just like American cheerleaders. All around, you'll see beaming mothers, fathers, and Vino al Vino guests. Later on, there's live music in the Piazza. And what's better, if the weather's good, than trying a glass or two of Chianti Classico with friends, with jazz music in the background and the fountain gently splashing in the middle? Above it all, you hear chatter about the taste of different wines, a "Ciaoooooo" here and there, and the happy sound of a cheek kiss. Oh, and don't forget the food! Giovanni's various sheep cheeses are a real treat, and Luca adds an artistic touch with his unique and humorous paintings about life in and with Chianti Classico.
News 2017 – Looking back to look forward
This year, for the first time, there was a special side event just for journalists, sommeliers, and importers: a retrospective tasting of the 2007 and 1997 vintages. Most of the winemakers showcased one of their wines from these two vintages. For example, you could find and taste:
Flaccianello from Fontodi 2007 and 1997
Petresco from Le Cinciole 2007 (from magnum) and 1997
Honestly, it wasn't really a surprise that these wines were in top shape. In fact, some of them could have happily spent even more time chilling in the bottle (if there were any left!).
But there were some really big and definitely positive surprises to be found. Here are a few examples: The 2007 and 1997 were always lovely.
Chianti Classico Riserva Fattoria di Rignana
Chianti Classico Riserva from Fattoria di Rignana
Check out the label on the 1997! I'm actually pretty happy about the change to the current label.
Both vintages of the... were really impressive.
Chianti Classici Riserva Le Fonti
Chianti Classico Riserva from Le Fonti.
That was my last sip of the tasting, and it really stuck with me. So elegant, balanced, still lively, and expressive.
Tasting 1997/2007
But the best part was seeing the eyes of Giovanni d'Orsi, the owner and winemaker of Casaloste, when he tried his 1997: There it was again, that sparkle in his eyes!
Viva Vino al Vino 2018!