2016 Chiara Condello Romagna Sangiovese Predappio

Chiara Condello is a young rising star in Italy producing delicate and finely perfumed Sangiovese wines made according to her deep commitment to organic viticulture and lo-fi winemaking. She grew up in the town of Predappio right near the resort and winery of Condé, owned by her father Francesco. The project under her own name, created with beautifully modern labels, is from a small parcel of land she chose from her father's estate, close to a forest where the vines are deeply rooted in calcareous-clay soil, prime for Sangiovese.
From vines approximately 40 years old, aging takes place for 12 months in one year old 3500 litre Slavonian oak botti. Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Lifted aromas of blackcurrant and dark cherries subtly infused with tobacco are followed by some vanillin cedar, earth and spicy dried herb notes. Medium weighted the palate is generously fruited with dark cherry, blackcurrant and subtle liquorice flavours which sit over scorched earth, dried herbs and spicy tobacco. There’s good freshness to the finish with slightly grainy tannins and a long savoury aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
From Emilia Romagna. Raised in 25Hl Slavonian botte.
Beautiful expression of Sangiovese here. So unforced. Cherry, hazelnuts, a little spice and dried herb. It’s medium-bodied, fresh, yet has this toothsome choc-hazelnut appeal, open knit chamois-like tannin offering more chew, maybe some wild strawberry and amaro too, and a finish that’s satisfying, savoury and gently fruit-sweet at once. A beautiful thing to drink. Drink 2019-2026.
93 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

You can’t think of the Romagna Sangiovese Predappio as Chiara Condello's normale or “entry-level” offering. This 100% Sangiovese hails from three specific vineyards, and Chiara explains that it is the balanced result of diverse soils, expositions and elevations. I have to agree. Here I'm finding a beautiful display of pure Sangiovese, featuring dusty black cherry, crushed stone and wild herbs, as hints of old leather and animal musk develop in the glass. On the palate, soft textures and fleshy red fruits are offset by zesty acids, spice and minerals. It finishes balanced, fresh and tactile, as notes of tart cranberry slowly fade, leaving hints of fine tannin in their wake. Drink 2020-2028.
92 points
Eric Guido - Vinous