How do you say “cult” in Italian?

Has to be Valgiano, as it took Agent Noir forever to get this 97 POINT Super Tuscan discovery.

Obscure as it may be to all but a few Italian wine aficionados, Tenuta di Valgiano, and (almost) their own little picturesque appellation of Colline Lucchesi are among Tuscany’s most outstanding hidden gems.

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous alerted savvy buyers “Tenuta di Valgiano shows how much potential lies in the northern Maremma. In recent years, the Sangiovese has come up in the blends, which I think has been quite beneficial. These artisan wines from carefully tended vineyards are well worth checking out.”

So, we did!

The appellation was established in 1986, and Valgiano in 1992. By 1997, the farming was converted to organic and since 2001, Valgiano has been grown and made biodynamically. No wonder it’s a consistent Tre Bicchieri winner including 2018, the highest Italian accolade there is, bringing it into the same league as Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Oreno, I Sodi… as in big names that just can be had anywhere near $60.

Jancis Robinson explains that “the Colline Lucchesi is Sangiovese with Syrah and Merlot, because apparently no other than Napoleon himself introduced the region to the French varieties.” The unique blend gives this flagship the telltale depth and juiciness Sangiovese is famous for, along with the layers of complexity Tuscany’s most cherished French varietals provide. The results will knock your socks off.

So, where’s the catch? Scarcity. This one won’t last.

Tre Bicchieri – Gambero Rosso 2024

97 Points – Falstaff “Bright, noble ruby red with delicate brightening on the rim. The nose is strongly spiced and somewhat wild, with a lot of leather, and earth, but also blood orange and rose hips, raspberry cordial, and bay leaf, it changes constantly in the glass. Very juicy on the palate, with earthy, compact tannin, grippy yet polished, salty undertones, great mouthfeel, and length, very full of character.”