{"title":"Le Chiuse","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"le-chiuse-brunello-di-montalcino-2014","title":"Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino   2014","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLe Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14% ABV Brunello made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso by one of Montalcino's most historically significant estates. This vintage earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast reviewer Kerin O'Keefe, who praised its \"remarkable elegance\" and compelling finesse — a score that places it among the top Brunellos of a challenging vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2014  |  Producer: Le Chiuse (Simonetta Valiani)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLe Chiuse occupies vineyards that were once part of the legendary Biondi-Santi estate and were used for Biondi-Santi Riserva production until 1993. The estate is owned by Simonetta Valiani, great-granddaughter of Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, the figure widely credited with creating Brunello di Montalcino as a category. The vines preserve a Sangiovese clone selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi specifically for these plots, planted at a density of 4,500 plants per hectare and cordon spur-trained. For this 2014 vintage, grapes were hand-harvested in the last week of September, crushed and transferred to tank by gravity, then fermented with indigenous yeasts over an 18-day maceration at 29°C. The wine aged for three years in 20-hectoliter Allier and Slavonian oak botte, followed by two years of bottle aging before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose is fragrant and immediately expressive, opening with red berry and blue flower before revealing layers of rose, white pepper, and crushed dried herbs. A violet-like freshness runs through the aromatics, lending a cool-toned character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is vibrant and linear, with juicy red cherry and strawberry compote leading into a mid-palate accented by star anise and a whisper of tobacco. There is a notable tension here — the wine feels taut rather than opulent, with bright acidity and refined tannins providing seamless structural support. The overall impression is one of finesse rather than power.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and precise, the finish carries lingering notes of red fruit and dried herbs framed by fine-grained tannins. The acidity persists cleanly, leaving a sensation of freshness and mineral purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Le Chiuse 2014\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Brunello is best served at 60–65°F (16–18°C) in a large-bowled glass after 30 to 60 minutes of decanting. Its elegance and structure reward patient, attentive sipping — adding a splash of water or ice is not recommended, as doing so would collapse the delicate aromatic layers and dilute the tannin structure that defines the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Italian wine collector or Brunello enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a Tuscan-themed wine dinner alongside aged cheeses and game\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for special occasions — the acidity and tannin suggest further aging potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComparing side-by-side with Biondi-Santi to explore shared vineyard heritage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Le Chiuse 2014 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The dominant profile is juicy red cherry and strawberry compote with accents of star anise, white pepper, tobacco, and dried herbs, carried by bright acidity and refined tannins. It is notably elegant and linear rather than heavily extracted or fruit-forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Le Chiuse compare to Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Chiuse's vineyards were historically part of the Biondi-Santi estate and retain the same Sangiovese clone selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi, so the two wines share a lineage and a preference for elegance over power. Le Chiuse typically positions at a lower price tier than Biondi-Santi while offering a stylistically similar expression rooted in the same terroir and genetic material.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Le Chiuse 2014 good for cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the taut tannin structure, bright acidity, and traditional aging regimen (three years in large oak, two years in bottle) suggest the wine has the backbone for continued development. That said, its fragrance and balance also make it compelling to drink now with adequate decanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Le Chiuse made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Chiuse is located in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG zone in southern Tuscany, Italy. The estate's vineyards sit on plots historically associated with the Biondi-Santi property, one of the appellation's most storied sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Le Chiuse 2014?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bistecca alla fiorentina highlights the wine's tannin and acidity. Slow-braised wild boar ragù mirrors its herbal complexity. Aged Pecorino di Pienza offers a salty counterpoint to the red fruit. Roasted lamb with rosemary complements the dried herb notes. Porcini mushroom risotto brings an earthy depth that amplifies the wine's savory undertone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Le Chiuse 2014 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Le Chiuse 2014 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Chiuse positions as a premium Brunello that punches above its price tier, particularly given the 95-point score from Wine Enthusiast and the estate's direct lineage to the Biondi-Santi family. Compared to top-tier Montalcino producers with similar critical acclaim, it represents strong value within the DOCG.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Le Chiuse 2014?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew Brunello producers can claim a direct genetic and geographic link to the very origins of the appellation. Le Chiuse farms the same Sangiovese clone, on the same land, that once produced Biondi-Santi Riservas — a detail that is not marketing lore but documented history. The 95-point score from Kerin O'Keefe at Wine Enthusiast confirms that this connection translates into the glass, with O'Keefe singling out the wine's \"remarkable elegance\" and \"compelling finesse.\" For anyone drawn to the classic, linear, terroir-driven style of Brunello rather than the modern fruit-bomb approach, the 2014 Le Chiuse stands as one of the vintage's most accomplished expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Le Chiuse","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836988879017,"sku":"24855","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Le-Chiuse-Brunello-Di-Montalcino-2006__88390.jpg?v=1730475903"},{"product_id":"le-chiuse-rosso-di-montalcino-2020","title":"Le Chiuse Rosso Di Montalcino 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLe Chiuse Rosso Di Montalcino 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV red wine made from 100% certified-organic Sangiovese Grosso grown on Montalcino's prized Montosoli hillside. Wine Enthusiast awarded this vintage 93 points, recognizing its polished elegance and savory depth — remarkable quality for a Rosso di Montalcino from a tiny production of just 13,300 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2020  |  Producer: Le Chiuse\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLe Chiuse occupies vineyards on the north-east hillside of Montosoli at roughly 300 meters elevation — land that played a foundational role in the birth of Brunello di Montalcino. These plots were once part of the original Biondi-Santi holdings, and Ferruccio Biondi-Santi himself used fruit from this site to produce some of his earliest Brunellos in the late 19th century. Today, the estate grafts budwood from 60- to 70-year-old vines of the BS 11 Sangiovese clone — personally selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi for these vineyards — onto American rootstock. The Rosso follows the same winemaking process as Brunello but without the extended aging requirement, capturing the vineyard's character in a more immediate, approachable form from certified-organic fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe berry and violet lead the nose, followed by baking spice and a subtle whiff of mint. Beneath those primary notes, a smoky undercurrent of wild herbs, crushed rocks and rose petals adds complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is seamlessly silky, opening with juicy red cherry and raspberry compote before star anise and candied citrus emerge at mid-palate. Taut, refined tannins provide structure while tangy acidity keeps the fruit bright and lifted, with nuances of cassis and sour cherry deepening toward the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long with a savory, mineral-driven close and lingering notes of black cherry, currant and a faint campfire smokiness. The tannins remain polished to the very end, leaving an impression of elegance rather than weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Le Chiuse Rosso\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine rewards most when served at 60–64°F in a large-bowled Burgundy glass, where its aromatic complexity has room to develop. It drinks beautifully on its own or alongside food, with no decanting strictly necessary though 20–30 minutes of air opens additional floral layers. While primarily a food wine, its bright acidity and moderate tannins make it versatile: try it with a classic Negroni Sbagliato riff using this as the sparkling-wine substitute for a richer take; alongside a Sangria Rossa where the cherry and spice character anchors the blend; or in a simple red wine spritz with sparkling water and an orange peel for warm-weather drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Brunello enthusiast who appreciates Montalcino's history and the Biondi-Santi legacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course Italian dinner where elegance trumps power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrinking now while cellaring a corresponding Brunello for future enjoyment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing serious Sangiovese to someone familiar only with Chianti Classico\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Le Chiuse Rosso taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with juicy red cherry and raspberry compote supported by refined tannins and bright acidity, with secondary notes of star anise, violet and a smoky mineral quality that lingers through the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Le Chiuse Rosso compare to Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines share deep roots — Le Chiuse's vineyards were originally part of the Biondi-Santi estate, and the vines descend from the same BS 11 Sangiovese clone selected by Tancredi Biondi-Santi. Le Chiuse tends toward a silkier, more floral expression from its Montosoli elevation, while Biondi-Santi's Rosso generally emphasizes austerity and structure in the classic house style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Le Chiuse Rosso good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its polished tannins, layered aromatics and 93-point Wine Enthusiast score reflect a wine built to stand alone, though it also pairs exceptionally well with food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Le Chiuse Rosso made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Chiuse is located on the north-east hillside of Montosoli in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, at approximately 300 meters elevation. This sub-zone is considered one of Montalcino's most prestigious vineyard areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Le Chiuse Rosso?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pappardelle with wild boar ragù mirrors the wine's savory depth; grilled lamb chops complement its herbal and smoky undertones; aged pecorino echoes its mineral character; roasted portobello mushrooms match the earthy complexity; and bruschetta with fresh tomato highlights the bright acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Le Chiuse Rosso come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the primary format available for this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Le Chiuse Rosso worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Chiuse positions in the upper tier of Rosso di Montalcino pricing, but the pedigree of its Montosoli vineyards, Biondi-Santi heritage clones, certified-organic farming, and limited 13,300-bottle production justify the premium within the category — especially given its 93-point critical recognition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Le Chiuse Rosso?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew Rosso di Montalcino bottlings carry this kind of historical weight. The vineyards at Le Chiuse directly link to the founding story of Brunello itself, producing fruit from the same Sangiovese clone that Tancredi Biondi-Santi hand-selected for this very site decades ago. The 2020 vintage captures that lineage in a polished, aromatic wine that over-delivers for its classification, earning 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. With only 13,300 bottles produced from certified-organic farming on one of Montosoli's most storied plots, this is one of the more compelling arguments that great Rosso di Montalcino can rival many producers' Brunello in sheer drinking pleasure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Le Chiuse","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836988911785,"sku":"24856","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/LeChiuseRossoDiMontalcino2020_xx.webp?v=1755387090"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/le-chiuse.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}