Villa Di Geggiano, Sangiovese "Bandinello" Toscana IGT, Italy 2018

60% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo, 20% Syrah

“Bandinello” is a hearty Tuscan red that blends young Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, and Syrah from the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Where fruit from older vines is reserved for Chianti bottlings that will spend at least two years in the cellar softening around the edges, the juice for this cuvée is bottled with immediate pleasure in mind after six brief months in oak casks.

It’s a youthful wine that’s vibrant and vigorous and delivers on the promise of delicious simplicity. Black fruit, olive, and sage are paired beautifully with grilled fennel sausage and white beans. And while this provincial red aims to favor rusticity over charm, it turns out the two are not mutually exclusive. “Bandinello” is indeed a perfect country wine.

Winemaking brothers Alessandro and Andrea Boscu will tell you they keep it “as simple as possible.” Their house style – classic, terroir-driven, and versatile – checks out. But simple wouldn’t be possible without raw talent and impeccable ingredients. It helps that they are passionate about organic viticulture, that they farm grapes in one of the most celebrated parts of Tuscany, and are privy to a family history of traditional winemaking that dates back to the 16th century.

Certified organic. The Bandinello ferments in stainless steel about 15 days, then the wine ages for six months in 500-L French oak barrels (10% new), and then in bottle for another three months before release.