Certain locales are captivating, a sentiment Philippe Austruy, a distinguished French businessman, can attest to with his innate ability to discern vinicultural excellence. His career is a testament to this, with the acquisition and enhancement of numerous wine estates in France, including prestigious wine-growing regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley. Yet his influence extends beyond France, for Austruy has also broadened his viticultural realm to other countries, including Italy and Spain, where he has secured esteemed wineries. It was in 2015 that he purchased Tenuta Casenuove, a magnificent estate nestled in the heart of Chianti, specifically in the rolling hills of Panzano, Tuscany (Italy). Spanning 120 hectares, with 30 hectares of vineyards, this estate is a picturesque amalgamation of hills and vineyards where, under the guidance of the renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, a commitment to quality has been initiated to bring forth exceptional wines.
The flagship wine, Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico, is a bold statement of purpose, affirmed by leading wine connoisseurs such as Parker and Suckling. A red wine crafted from Tuscany's signature grape, sangiovese, with subtle contributions from merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The old vines are planted in warm, well-drained soils composed of marine-origin limestone clays, rich in schist galestro, and are organically farmed. At the peak of ripeness, the grapes undergo a meticulous tripartite hand selection process and, once in the winery, vinification is carried out at controlled temperatures in raw concrete vats with a maceration period lasting up to a month, with pump-overs and rackings to extract and refine. Subsequently, the wine matures for 12 months in a combination of large Slavonian oak barrels and concrete tanks. Finally, it rests in the bottle for 6 months before being released to the market.
As a product of the DOCG Chianti Classico, Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico is far more than a mere wine. It is an embodiment of Austruy's dedication to vinicultural excellence, a testament to the meticulous care and expertise invested at every stage of production. An exceptional wine that captures the quintessential spirit of its terroir, it carries the legacy of a shared passion.