On Sale: $29.94 (was: $34.94)*
Sette Ponti is one of the modern era's most exciting producers in Tuscany, and while their flagship ‘Oreno’ is one of our best selling Super Tuscans, it’s little brother,‘Crognolo’, is a sensational value. This Sangiovese/Merlot blend performs well above its price, and is roundly considered “one of the best values amongst Super Tuscan reds” (Suckling). Now is the time to get Sette Ponti on your radar, as they are a leading producer in the Valdarno di Sopra DOC, just east of Chianti, and their 2019s are stunning. with the flagship nabbing 99pts. While we love Oreno for special occasions, Crognolo is a wonderful chance to enjoy Sette Ponti’s incredible winemaking at a more approachable price, and this 2019 is just an all-around beautiful Super-Tuscan for just $29.94!
The Valdarno di Sopra region is a tiny subzone south of Florence, with a long history of making top quality wine. The same Medici who decreed the boundaries of Chianti, did the same for Valdarno di Sopra some 300 years ago, but in the modern era we are only just starting to see its potential realized. Producers like Sette Ponti and Petrolo (Galatrona) have put the area on the map, and while of course Sangiovese performs admirably in this region, Merlot has been the sleeper hit. Antonio Moretti and oenologist Giuseppe Ca Viola (Vietti, Elvio Cogno) have “taken things to another level” (Vinous) in recent years, and the Crognolo just keeps getting better, all while staying under 30 bucks!
94 points, James Suckling: "Sweet berries, flowers and cedar on the nose. Some leather, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with lightly chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows tension and brightness. Excellent structure. Drinkable now, but better in 2023."
*Offer publication date September 23, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.