WTN: Giorgio Primo Fattoria La Massa Chianti Classico 2001

Giorgio Primo Fattoria La Massa Chianti Classico 2001 14%

I really don't know what to make of the experience. My first impression immediately after opening: frighteningly dark colour, but the nose had classic Sangiovese elements of sandalwood, bright, red fruit, slightly herbal; lovely, strong tannins, leathery, savoury. It started out really well. Sadly a nutty, oaky note with an unpleasantly confected and lifted cherry sweetness started to creep in with time. The charming tannins of my initial impression became over-extracted. It changed into wine that tried too hard to be good. Less would have been more.

My bottle that I sampled a while ago had even less Sangiovese character than this one, Otto. Cherry oakshake that tasted almost nothing like Chianti. Of course, it is also much more expensive than almost any other Chianti on the market, too

That sounds about right. Giampaolo Motta actually dislikes Sangiovese, but is very keen on Bordeaux...which he tries to emulate in Tuscany. The wines are only 50% Sangiovese these days (with Cab, Merlot and Petit Verdot.) They are now both Labelled IGT Toscana.


-Bill

It appears he didn't hit Bordeaux, but mediocre Napa Valley.

mediocre Napa Valley

That's redundant!

mediocre Napa Valley

That's redundant!

Hey! Not true at all. There are many Napa wines that I still love. And many mediocre Bordeaux!

Giampaolo Motta actually dislikes Sangiovese, but is very keen on Bordeaux...which he tries to emulate in Tuscany.

I have for a long time had trouble with Sangiovese also - but having tasted some stunning Podere le Boncie's CC Le Trame I think I am slowly starting to appreciate this variety also. But I would never want the grape the taste like Bordeaux. And though I like some Bordeaux, I think Motta got it horribly wrong if this wine seeks to emulate Bordeaux.

Giampaolo Motta actually dislikes Sangiovese, but is very keen on Bordeaux...which he tries to emulate in Tuscany.

I have for a long time had trouble with Sangiovese also - but having tasted some stunning Podere le Boncie's CC Le Trame I think I am slowly starting to appreciate this variety also. But I would never want the grape the taste like Bordeaux. And though I like some Bordeaux, I think Motta got it horribly wrong if this wine seeks to emulate Bordeaux.

Otto, I'm sure he was using more Sangiovese back in '01 (when it was Chianti Classico.) Things have since changed, not that they taste like Bordeaux today either. Then again, Bordeaux doesn't really taste like Bordeaux anymore .