The 13th century Ormanni estate is located right in the heart of Chianti, between the towns of Poggibonsi and Castellina. Proof of the incredible heritage of this Tuscan property can be found in Dante Alighieri’s 'Divina Commedia', where the Ormanni family is mentioned. For the last 200 years the estate has been owned by the Brini Batecchi family, and it is Paolo Brini Batecchi together with his daughter Paola who run the winery today.
Borro del Diavolo is a brook, called “borro” in Tuscany, and it gives its name to the historic vineyard producing grapes for this Reserve. The best Sangiovese grapes are selected in the first ten days of October from the Borro del Diavolo vineyard and from the close Montignano vineyard, both situated on the same stony ridge facing South.
The cellar is articulated in 4 rooms according to the different phases of wine production: steel containers, concrete and glass vats, barrels and barriques (oak barrels). The first fermentation occurs in steel containers, the new wine is then stored in concrete and glass vats and eventually in barrels and barriques. Situated below the garden of the Villa, the oldest part of the cellar dates back to the end of 1700 when it was excavated in the tuff, as it can still be seen inside. Wine ageing occurs in barrels and barriques in this part of the cellar.
Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Borro del Diavolo is a brooding wine. Black cherry, incense, leather, spice, tobacco and licorice add to an impression of somber intensity. I would give the imposing tannins a few years to settle down. The 2018 needs time, but it is super-impressive. It's a burly old-school Riserva ideal for readers with classically-leaning palates.