HBO and the Sopranos tap Tuscany for the best wine!

September 24, 3:02 PMItalian Living ExaminerSerenella Leoni

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This fall The Sopranos varietals will hit stores nationwide.

The Sopranos, the landmark HBO series that set a new standard in television, has inspired a line of Italian wine that will launch nationwide this fall. The Sopranos Italian Wines will hit stores beginning in September.

And where did these fine folks go when they were looking for the best wines to offer American families? To Tuscany, of course!

There is no greater romantic rendezvous or sexier wine location than Tuscany in the heart of Italy, land of sun, sea, romance, amazing food and luscious wine.
 
Where else can you sip wine and savor food made with the freshest most delectable ingredients resulting from recipes going back hundreds of years? 
 
You have your choice of wine locations in Tuscany, from the cypress-outlined, rolling hills of the Chianti area, jagged seaside cliffs, the enchanting Tuscan islands or the hills near the tower of Pisa.

I am personally familiar with one of the wineries involved in this project, the Valiano Estate Winery.  I was fortunate enough to visit this estate near Siena in June and see for myself what types of products they offered. I toured the estate with Francesco, the son of the owner Martina Piccini. Their family has been in the wine business since 1882 and still run the winery today. They own this winery in Siena, one in Montalcino, one in Sicily and a some others.

Words and pictures cannot do justice to the beauty of the landscape to, from and at the actual winery. The verdant valleys lead to the beautiful entrance of the Valiano Estate. This property is immaculate and very well cared for.

Some Valiano wines have won international prizes have been featured in Wine Spectator. The range of their wines runs from family style to high end.

At this location, they make several Chiantis, including a reserve D.O.C.G., a ‘musical’ Super Tuscan and a Tuscan chardonnay. Of course I sacrificed myself and tasted them all. The Super Tuscan was a knock-out. Quite a day overall. HBO and their wine partners have certainly done their homework in selecting reputable and quality wines.

The Sopranos Italian Wines will feature a range of selections for every type of wine enthusiast. For those seeking an affordable quality vintage for every day, there’s a Chianti D.O.C.G., aged six to eight months, that boasts soft tannins with succulent flavors of cherry and berries and a leisurely finish.

For the more discriminating devotee on the look-out for a solid mid-tiered choice, options include a seductive Tuscan Cabernet-Merlot-Sangiovese blend, aged in a combination of big oak barrels and barriques.  It can be enjoyed now or uncorked in another three to five years, allowing maturity to bring out the full flourish of this remarkable wine’s character.  The wine is priced at $14.99.

The passionate aficionado searching for a good value on a higher-end varietal will be able to choose from a complex and satisfying Chianti Classico or an exquisite Chianti Classico Riserva, both of which are estate vinted and bottled.  The Chianti Classico is produced with the highest-quality of grapes from the hills of the Tuscan region and is highly-extracted, which translates to the deep color, lovely tannins and articulate bouquet.  Aged for a least a year in oak casks, and priced at $23.99, it too can be consumed now or in three to seven years. 

The Chianti Classico Riserva hails from the heartland of the beautiful region of Tuscany between Florence and Siena.  Aged for three years in oak, this is a powerful red wine with strong tannins, a dry palate and delicate nose.  The wine rewards the patience of true connoisseurs who, though they may consume it now, may wish to hold onto this liquid jewel another seven to ten years before uncorking to experience the full spectrum of its extraordinary integrity.  It is priced at $29.99.

There are other Italian wines offered under The Sopranos label, including two Pinot Grigios, on from the Veneto region and one from the Fruili region, both very nice wines.

May you enjoy them all in good health.  Salute!