Wine Down Thursday: Under the Tuscan Sun

Thursday, February 12th 6-7:30pm

Sampler: $20

When most people think of Tuscany, they picture rolling golden hills, but for a winemaker, the region is a complex mosaic of rock, wind, and ancient history. This week for Wine Down Thursday, we are skipping the postcards and diving straight into the dirt. We’re exploring "Under Tuscan Sun"—a look at how this iconic landscape transforms the Sangiovese grape into vastly different expressions. From the gentle, clay-rich hills near Florence to the rugged, high-altitude mountains of the north and the sun-drenched slopes of the south, this tasting is about the grit behind the glamour. Join us as we celebrate the passion of the vigneron and the unique character of the Italian earth.

2022 Lanciola Chianti Colli Fiorentini

Agricola Lanciola has been producing wine since the 1500s and is currently owned by the Guarnieri family who have dedicated themselves to the historic hills overlooking the city of Florence. Their philosophy of "Modern Tradition" respects the heritage of the Florentine countryside while utilizing meticulous cellar work to showcase the fruit's natural vibrancy. This bottling is a testament to their long-standing commitment to the region, offering a fleshy and bright expression of Sangiovese that serves as the perfect introduction to the Tuscan hills.

2022 Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina

The Masi family has owned Fattoria di Basciano since the early 1900s, located on a breathtaking ridge in the high-altitude Rufina sub-zone. As third-generation winemakers, the Masis are experts at navigating the extreme climate of the northern Apennine foothills. They have long championed the idea that the best Chianti comes from "struggling" vines grown in rocky terrain. Their approach focuses on precision and sustainability, ensuring that the mountain air and cool nights are reflected in every glass through incredible tension and energy.

2022 Tenuta di Sesta Rosso di Montalcino

Tenuta di Sesta is synonymous with the history of Montalcino. The Ciacci family has been the steward of this land since 1850, and they were among the very first pioneers to bottle wine in the region long before it became a global powerhouse. Maintaining a rustic and honest approach to winemaking, the family focuses on preserving the noble character of the southern hills. Their Rosso is powerful, deep, and soulful—a true reflection of a family whose roots in the Tuscan soil go back nearly two centuries.