The Continuing Story of Tenimenti d'Alessandro - 2007 Il Bosco

Tenimenti Luigi d'Alessandro was founded in 1967, a time in Cortona that was not widely known for great wine. What was produced there largely went to inexpensive blends. That may have been where the story ended had it not been for a professor at the University of Milan, Attilo Scienza, who decided to test the potential of the soils for vine growing. Four years of studying brought him to the conclusion that Rhone varietals were the best match, and ten acres of Syrah were planted. Formal recognition followed in 1999 when the area achieved D. O. C.

This, too, could have been the end of the saga were it not for the entrance of Luca Currado of Vietti and Christine Vernay, a well known winemaker from Rhone. They put their heads together to bring this varietal to new heights at Tenimenti d'Alessandro. 2011 was a milestone in their partnership when the 2007 Il Bosco achieved the Gold Medal at the Syrah du Monde competition, being named the top Italian Syrah and fourth in the world.

Il Bosco is the estate's flagship wine, known for its complexity and density. The 100% Syrah is from three vineyards ranging in age from 20-25 years and the wine is aged 24 months, half in barriques and half in large used oak casks. After tasting it, James Suckling, then still with Wine Spectator, stated -

"Says Cote-Rotie in Italian."

I found his description intriguing, so I recently grabbed a bottle of the 2007 Il Bosco from our collection to enjoy on a long, leisurely Saturday. I tasted as soon as the cork was popped - just enough to gauge how long I wanted to let it sit. After two hours, the Syrah offered silky layers of ripe red berries and subtle white pepper. There is elegance and power beautifully balanced in the glass and the Tuscan terroir lends appealingly vibrant acidity. Though we sipped it purely for pleasure, not with a meal, I can imagine it along side roasted rabbit or game fowl or even a classically grilled steak with a bit of olive oil and fresh herbs. The freshness and spice would certainly enhance those big, meaty flavors to perfection.

So the story did not end and, with luck, will not for quite some time. If we are all fortunate, the chapter that began nine years ago will do just as Antonio Galloni predicted -  

"Vintage 2007 is the first harvest Currado and his team of coworkers followed from start to finish, and the results are hugely impressive. It certainly seems like the sky is the limit here."

I highly recommend having a few bottles in your cellar, and we have them in stock at just under $38, a great value for a Gold Medal winner! Better not wait - less than 1600 cases were produced and now the word is out.