Cecchi ‘Coevo’ 2013
Grape Varietals: 60% Sangiovese, 20% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet & 10% Merlot
Growing Region: Castellina in Chianti Classico & Maremma - Tuscany - Italy
Director: Cesare Cecchi
Winemaker: Andrea Cecchi
4 Stars ★★★★
I have been involved with the Cecchi family for many years. And I was there for the launch, as the first Coevo was released in 2009 with the 2006 vintage (which was also the first year I visited the Maremma project) - and is produced only in excellent vintages. This iconic Tuscany wine family work with around 400 hectares of vineyards divided across 6 estates between Tuscany and Umbria.
The name ‘Coevo’ comes from the adjective ‘coeval’ referring to being contemporary. The purpose for this wine, like all crafted by the passionate team at Cecchi is to showcase the unique character of each vintage through an honest expression. With this in mind, the blend varies according to the vintage, while always keeping Sangiovese as the core, which gives the most authentic and historically regional fingerprint.
The Sangiovese fruit is off their ‘Solare’ vineyard and the Cabernet Sauvignon off ‘La Gavina’ (no I did not make up this name) - from their historic vineyards of Castellina in Chianti. While the Merlot and Petit Verdot come from the ‘Poggio la Lepre’ vineyard, off the ‘Val delle Rose’ property in Maremma.
The combination of parcels and varietals is driven by the philosophy of balance - influenced by the seasons ripening conditions from the different sites across Tuscany - crafting the best cuvee, showcasing typicity and vintage personality. Separate vinification has produced an elegant, long-lasting wine. Fermentation was in tank at between 25-30°C, with two weeks maceration for all varietals. After blending the wine matured for 18 months in barrique and tonneau (500L) oak barrels, and then in bottle for at least 12 months before being released.
• As you pour this wine into a generous glass, you will be greeted by a rich, dark red colour and subtle crimson hue. On the nose, your will be hypnotized by dark wild berries, cacao and dried spices. On the palate you can taste the alchemy between the lifted Sangiovese tannins and the seasoning of the Petit Verdot and the appropriate structure given by the Cabernet, rounded nicely by the soft nature of the Merlot.
The time in oak has combined nicely varietal characters and infused a cohesive bond between the dark fruits, coffee, tobacco spice and fruit acidity giving the wine a generosity along with confident grace. The wine has elegance, complexity, style and structure with a memorable silky finish. A contemporary wine, in name and nature.
This 2013 Cecchi ‘Coevo’ has 14% Alc./vol. Decant for 30-45 minutes and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 17°- 18°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 15/5/21)
With soft decanting, drinking well this season; and will hold nicely for another 3 - 5 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with prime cuts of meats bbq’d or grilled, wild game served with a wine jus and seasonal vegetables, rich pasta dishes, along with rich earthy vegetarian cuisine, plus aged hard cheeses - enjoy.
