ABOUT: Querciabella was established in 1974 by Giuseppe "Pepito" Castiglioni and currently have vineyards throughout Tuscany's Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, all farmed biodynamically and have been since 2000. Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, Pepito's son who currently runs the estate is passionate about his environmental philosophies and preserving the integrity of his land and maintaining a healthy system. He even keeps beehive's on the property which have tripled in size. For Querciabella, attention to the detail of the land is paramount. All of their wines are superior quality, but the white wine Batar (Chardonnay and Pinot Blanco) and the red wine Camartina (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese) are truly some of the finest wines to be produced in Tuscany today.
Follow this link to read about Querciabella at organicwinejournal.com. TASTE: Industry tastings that take place in fancy hotel banquet rooms often suck hard and are to be avoided. It’s nice seeing colleagues but as far as zeroing on the taste of wine, it’s the very worst. However, the last one I went to had a rep from Querciabella pouring it out and the Batar stole the show. My scribbled, hard to read note says “fresh, dry, almonds, lemon, lime, mint, cedar, med+ acid, long finish, favorite!” Guess I liked it. Turns out it’s a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanco…a totally unique, original Toscana IGT. Get it and drink it, or hold for another 10-15 years then drink it. PAIR: Quiche, roasted garlic, Thai food, leek & green olive & feta pizza, pasta with garlic butter sauce, and almond crusted cauliflower.
