Winery Profile
Leonardo Beconcini On Focus . . .The winery philosophy rests on the production of red wines made from grape varieties that have always been present on the property, grapes that exhibit distinctive and complex qualities, the result of the soils and the climate in the San Miniato area. Such have always been the underpinnings of my efforts, plus much patience and a fierce desire to learn the sum of all of those small lessons that the land and its vineyards release ever so slowly. I have gradually absorbed these lessons since the early 1990s, and they have enabled me to produce wines that faithfully express the qualities of this corner of the earth.
On Experimentation . . .After lengthy experimentation and study, we were able to put together a valuable map of the varieties. Some were propagated from old sangiovese vines, others were local native varieties, such as colorino, canaiolo, or malvasia nera. Our curiosity and attachment to these unknown species, plus our satisfaction with the unique qualities of the wine they yielded, are what led us to carry out more in-depth research on native grapes.
On Technology . . .Winemaking equipment cannot be, nor should it be, too technically advanced. I consider winemaking techniques of lesser importance for my wines; my belief is that the wine is grown in the vineyard and that whatever one does in the cellar should simply draw out the consequences of that origin. I continue to use glass-lined cement vats for fermentation and maturation, trying to fill them with the finest grapes possible, utilising only ambient yeasts, and practising very lengthy macerations. | | The Portfolio:
 2007 Antiche Vie Chianti, DOCG—Azureau has a single focus on the wines of Pietro Beconcini. We have been so impressed with the quality and value of this Antiche Vie that it has become our mission to see it on wine lists throughout the province of Ontario. 85% Sangiovese, 15% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, Malvasia nera. Tasting note: Lively ruby red in color, on the nose aromas of violets and dark cherries. On the palate tangy acidity with a round firm finish. Writes Zoltan Szabo, one Canada’s perennial top sommerliers, “fresh, cherry-flavoured and spicy red, pleasant and perfect for lunch."h.” |