The Strade Bianchi is an Italian one day race that kicks off the early season bike racing with exceptional style!
This year's edition did not disappoint with one of the most dynamic young riders, Tom Pidcock, winning the race. Pidcock is a mountain bike and cyclocross world champion that is bringing his game to the road racing circuit. He announced his road racing potential at last year's Tour de France with a historic win on the Alpe de Huez.
On to this year's first Lucha Vino challenge with a match up between a Washington Sangiovese flexing muscle up against a Italian Chianti Classico.
2018 Mellisoni Lake Chelan Sangiovese v. 2017 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva.
Tale of the Tape
100% Sangiovese from 8 year old vines planted on the upper slopes of the Mellisoni Lake Chelan estate vineyard. Harvested September 23rd at 24.5 Brix and pH 3.49.
Aged for 22 months in Seguin Moreau French Oak, 50% New & 50% Once Used with an additional 2 months of bottle age.
2017 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva Made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other red grape varietals. Aged in Slovanian and French oak barrels of various sizes for a year or longer.
Round 1. First Opening
The Mellisoni Sangiovese swaggers into the ring featuring a nose of cherries, earthy brambles and light menthol spices. The palate doubles down on the cherry notes with bing cherry followed by rose petals and white pepper spices.
Not to be out done, the Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is flashing some style with a nose featuring tart pie cherries, light sultry olive notes and candle wax. The Palate is also showing pie cherry along with leather and tart tannins that are followed by a touch of acidity on the finish.
The opening round seemed to be more about show and less about action. The judges are awarding the round to Mellisoni by the slimmest of margins.
Round 2. One Hour After Opening
Let's see what these luchadors have in store for us in round 2.
Mellisoni is coming straight at the challenger from Chianti with a flury of moves! The nose continues to show highlights of bing cherry, light menthol and baking spices. The palate is building power with bing cherry, floral top notes and a robust pepper finish.
Mellisoni takes round 2 and a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
Round 3. One Day After Opening
It's all or nothing for our Italian challenger. Will desperation lead to high risk/reward action? Let's get on to it and find out what these luchadors have left in the tank!
Mellisoni is showing no signs of slowing down with plenty of strength and stamina. The nose continues to build with aromas of bing cherry and savory saline green olive notes. The palate shows slightly tarter bing cherry, light cracked pepper and a drier tannin finish.
The Carpineto challenger from Chianti leaps into the ring with a flourish. The nose has built prominent sultry olive brine character along with floral notes and light green coffee bean. The palate continues to build on the tart pie cherry theme joined by raspberries, light tannin spices and a finish featuring light acidity.
The final round featured more action from the Carpineto luchador bobbing and weaving and looking for an opening to attack the Washington Sangiovese from Mellisoni. The action was fast and furious, but in the end Mellisoni fended off the attacks and finished off the match with a 3-0 victory!
Wrap up and overall observations
Both of these wines showed plenty of character and staying power over the course of the match.
The Mellisoni Sangiovese was slightly darker and showed the lush character imparted by the use of 50/50 new and once used French Oak barrels.
Even though the Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva was a blend of Sangiovese Canaiolo and other red grape varietals, the Sangiovese tart pie cherry character dominated the nose and palate. This wine developed interesting savory notes as it opened up over the two days.
I would recommend seeking out both of these wines.
The Mellisoni Sangiovese is not available with every vintage. In the most current release it is included in the 2020 60 Degree blend along with Nebbiolo and Barbera for $75.
The Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is available at Esquin for $30.99.
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