Wine Along The 101
  • Home
  • Articles
    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
Picture
Sergio Zingarelli stands tall among Chianti Classico producers, not only are his Rocca delle Macìe wines renowned for their complex quality, but his passion and commitment to Chianti Classico runs deep, extending to the region as well as his own brand.  Running with his father’s dream, Sergio has spent the past 33 years refining and expanding the company’s winemaking prowess.  Rocca delle Macìe has blossomed under Sergio’s watchful eye, reaching a new pinnacle of excellence in the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
Picture
Aerial view of Rocca delle Macìe complex in Castellina-in-Chianti, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Picture
Italo Zingarelli (R) directing, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Picture
Sangiovese cluster, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Picture
Rocca vineyards, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Picture
Tenuta Fizzano vineyards and hospitality center, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Rocca delle Macìe has embraced the legacy of Chianti Classico from its very beginnings almost 50 years ago, a passion project of the late film producer Italo Zingarelli of “spaghetti Western” movie fame.  In 1973, Zingarelli parlayed his success with these series of wildly popular films, including the iconic “They Call Me Trinity”, into his dream of winemaking.  He was drawn to the historical hills of the Chianti Classico region, and after many trips, found the perfect site, although neglected, with only 5 of the 230 acres planted to vineyards.  Today’s winemaking empire consists of six vineyard estates over 1,250 acres, four in the Chianti Classico area, and two in the Maremma, along the western coast of Tuscany.  The original Le Macìe estate in Castellina-in-Chianti continues as the heart of Rocca delle Macìe, where its cellars and offices are located, and Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano and Le Tavolelle estates support the Sangiovese and hospitality dreams of the winery.  The Maremma estates of Campomaccione and Casamaria embody the ancient and modern ways of wine, offering different wines for the consumer, Vermentino, Chardonnay, a Sangiovese Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Super Tuscan Sangiovese-dominant red blends.
Picture
Rocca delle Macìe vineyards, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
Picture
Sergio Zingarelli helps out with the Sangiovese harvest, Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
​When Sergio took over the reins of Rocca delle Macìe in 1989, his passion for Chianti led him to be very active within the Chianti Classico Consortium, rising to President twice and now its current Vice President.  But Sergio felt that Chianti Classico had more to offer, and in 2000, he decided to pursue a different incarnation of Chianti.  To do this, he replanted certain vineyards at the Le Macìe estate, with the goal of producing outstanding Sangiovese wines of Chianti Classico pedigree.  With the help of a vineyard consultant and soil analysis, the highest quality came into existence within the newly crowned Le Terrazze, their finest vineyard site.  This is the cradle of Rocca delle Macìe’s Gran Selezione, and the pinnacle of the Chianti Classico quality pyramid.  The quest for quality in Sergio Zingarelli's own words below.
Picture
Courtesy of Rocca delle Macìe
The ​Gran Selezione quality category came into being in 2014, as a way to further refine and elevate Chianti Classico.  With more extensive requirements, only estate fruit can be used, a minimum of 90% Sangiovese and no international varietals allowed in the blend, and higher minimum alcohol, extract and oak barrel aging, an additional 6 months above the Riserva category.  In addition, a tasting panel determines if the wines express the unique terroir of its estate, and if so judged, awards the wines the excellence of Gran Selezione.  Initially, there was some disagreement among producers for this new tier, but since its debut in 2014, almost 165 wineries are bottling a Gran Selezione, up from 24 at the beginning.  For Rocca delle Macìe, anticipating this new premium classification, they bottled the 2010 vintage under the new banner, and further delineated the terroir in 2011 between the Sergio Zingarelli and Tenuta Fizzano estate wines for their Gran Selezione wines.
Picture
Sergio Zingarelli shares the story of Rocca delle Macìe's Gran Selezione wines
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Recently, Sergio Zingarelli came to Los Angeles, and shared this very special wine with writers at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills.  A very unique tasting, over nine consecutive vintages, revealed a stunning portrait of an elegant wine with great aging potential.  This vertical presentation kicked off with a glass of the Campo Maccione Vermentino 2021, a fabulous and fresh mineral wine with balanced acidity, floral and fruity.  Then the dance of Sangiovese began with the first course, a Market Vegetable “Greek” Salad, with Feta Cheese, Olives and Red Wine Vinaigrette, followed by a Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Cherry Mustard and Crunchy Potatoes entrée and Assorted Cheese Plate and Dried Fruit finale.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​As Sergio painted the broad strokes of its evolution, we swirled, smelled and savored this Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG in all its glory.  The 2010 through 2013 vintages were a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, but in 2014, bad weather impacted the Colorino crop, so there was none for the blend. Starting that year, the Gran Selezione is now 100% Sangiovese.  These are truly rare wines, only 6-10,000 bottles are produced annually.  A deep dive into the vintages, the 2011 and 2012 were warmer years but 2010 and 2013 are more important vintages, according to Sergio.  The 2016 is so elegant and balanced, and just ready to drink, the newer vintages need more time, with the 2018 very close to the potential exhibited by the 2016, 2013 and 2010.  You come away with a sense of awe, and for me, the 2010 Gran Selezione with its age and complexity, a beautiful nose and incredibly melded flavors, is an example of the very promising future for these wines.  And when choosing their favorite vintage, there was not much consensus among the tasters, everyone appreciated the different nuances of the different years.  Overall, these are intense wines, fruity and aromatic, with elegant flavors, a touch of spice, velvety tannins, and a long persistent finish, something that beckons you to linger and savor every drop.
Picture
From the mists of time, Chianti emerges as a titan, a classic in the world of wine.  Its rich history is still being written, by producers such as Sergio Zingarelli and Rocca delle Macìe, who continue to explore its profound being, and just what combination of factors makes it sing.  This is the allure of Chianti, so much more than just a wine, it’s a sense of place and time that envelops us in its fragrance and savory palate.  Rocca delle Macìe has come a long way in the past 50 years, and still continues to polish its Chianti Classico wines, excellence becoming its Holy Grail.