2007 Tolaini Al Passo
What a story I picked up in Vinitaly. More than 50 years ago, a young man left Tuscany to seek his fortune in America. He found it in Canada where he built a trucking empire. Pierluigi Tolaini returned home in the 1990s to start a new winery in one of the finest corners of Chianti Classico with two vineyards in Castelnuovo Berardenga. Today Tolaini has a Tre Bicchieri on his shelf, as well as a classic Chianti and cult super-Tuscan Valdisanti. The one I brought home for you is Al Passo, Tolaini’s lush bend of sangiovese and merlot (80/20), an affordable offering that’s incredibly dark and rich,and purely opulent. You’ll love Tolaini’s work.
Is the 2007 as good as the 2006? 2007 was a great year for Tuscan wine (Modus, Cabreo, Frescobaldi Castiglioni and Oreno are all knockouts), but I definitely prefer the 2006 Valdisanti over the 2007, so I have yet to try the Al Passo. I do love the 2006. It’s loaded with so much ripe, sweet fruit and Tuscan terroir. I’m still sitting on almost a case of it, so if the 2007 is anywhere near as good, I guess I’d better start drinking up.