'Aluigi'- the latest find from Le Cinciole in Tuscany - 'What a wine' AG
Detailed and vibrant in the glass, with captivating energy, the Aluigi sizzles with tension.
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, July 2025
2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Aluigi, Vigna Campo ai Peri, Le Cinciole
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
It is no exaggeration to say that the Tuscan estate Le Cinciole has been a revelation. Each wine I have tasted has impressed greatly from the Petresco (a pure Sangiovese) to Camalaione (a Cabernet Sauvignon blend) and now Aluigi, an outstanding Chianti Classico Gran Selezione just tasted this morning.
Le Cinciole (pronounced chin-chee-oh-lay) is in Panzano, not a vast distance from Fontodi in the heart of Chianti. The name is a corruption of ‘Le Terre di Quintius’ (the lands of Quintius), with this area being known as such for centuries. The estate extends over 30 hectares, split between vines and olive groves. Ten hectares are dedicated to vines, with the vineyards lying at an altitude of 430 to 500 metres, facing south-east. The current owners, Valeria and Luca Vigano, took over the estate in the early 1990s and embarked on a replanting program, expanded and renovated the cellar and developed a fully sustainable approach to their energy usage.
I remain a huge fan of Fontodi, San Giusto a Rentennano, and Montevertine. I have tasted utterly spellbinding Sangiovese from these estates over the last decade or more and each deserves its place among the finest producers in Tuscany. I had never heard of Le Cinciole until last year and I have no doubt that it belongs in the same set as these illustrious estates, though it hasn’t gained the same share of the limelight and therefore its value remains keen.
Aluigi is a single parcel Chianti from the Campo di Peri vineyard, which lies at 440 metres in altitude on classic Galestro soils in the region of Panzano.. These clay-limestone, blue-grey schistous soils provide an ideal base for the vines – the flaky, friable nature allows the roots of the vine to run deep and allows impressive drainage. They are also rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron. Typically, these soils bring about outstanding elegance and a structure that provides longevity to the resultant wines. Panzano is one of the key areas that benefits from these soils, along with Radda. They tend to be found in more elevated sections of the central Tuscan landscape.
I really love the purity of fruit evidenced by the 2021 Aluigi – there is ample structure but the extraction has been carefully handled, to such an extent that early consumption is not out of the question. It has been aged in 25 hectolitre French oak barrels for two years as well as cement tanks for a year, before resting in bottle for a further year before release. It captures classic Sangiovese characters, brimming with juicy bright cherry and plum fruits with a certain floral lift. Medium-bodied, this is so finely expressed – there is a silky, glossy textural aspect, where the tannins are finely expressed and everything is undercut by a vibrant yet integrated acidity. A hint of tangy citrus comes in towards the long finish. This is impeccable – nothing is overplayed. The key to the success is the quality of the fruit, and a deft touch in the winemaking that allows it to shine.
I think we have found a new favourite and judging by the review below we are not alone!
2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Aluigi, Vigna Campo ai Peri, Le Cinciole
£180 per bottle case in bond
97 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, July 2025
The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri is another stunning wine from Le Cinciole. Detailed and vibrant in the glass, with captivating energy, the Aluigi sizzles with tension. Crushed flowers, mint, blood orange, rose petal and spice soar out of the glass. I especially admire its vertical energy and explosive personality. The 2021 spent two years in cask and a year in cement prior to bottling. What a wine! Drink 2027-2041
Please let us know of your interest.
Simon
simon.larkin@atlasfinewines.com