Terrabianca Croce Riserva 2004

This winery was purchased in 1988 by Roberto Guldener and his family who had moved to Italy from Zurich Switzerland where the family had been in the clothing business for multiple generations. By 1989, they started replanting the vines and made their first wine,the Campaccio. This was followed by the Scassino and then the Croce. The Terabianca winery is located in Radda, one of our favorite towns in Tuscany. After having a great 2004 Campaccio, I ran across the 2004 Croce which is a Chianti Classico Riserva. It is made from 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo. It has a great nose of plum with some hints of vanilla. The cherry and spicy fruit flavors are long with very smooth tannins. I may be biased since I have a Swiss wife, but the Terrabianca's are exceptional wines. On my next trip to Tuscany, I will make a stop at this winery. If you are looking for a quaint town with easy access to Siena or San Gimignano or even up to Florence, Radda is highly recommended. This 2004 Croce is a wine you should try also. The 2004 Croce retails for $31.