La Querce Seconda is a small, organic Chianti Classico family estate that is located between San Casciano Val di Pesa and Montespertoli in the northern part of the DOCG region. Niccolo Bernabei is the second generation of his winemaking family, and in 1995, he and Linda Sandkvist took the project to a more serious level. Now, their property stretches for about 45 hectares, covering untouched forests, olive orchards, a lovely agriturismo, and of course, naturally-farmed vineyards. As they are devoted to using only Sangiovese in their Chianti, the duo exerts continual efforts in the earth (a clay and sand mixture accompanied by old large stones) to make sure the vines truly express the terroir of the area. Naturally occurring yeasts, extremely low sulfur practices, and very old and large oak use mean the expression they can achieve from their beautifully-cared-for vines is extraordinary.
LA QUERCE SECONDA - VIRTUAL VISIT
The following interview was recorded in the fall of 2020 during the Covid lockdown. These videos were intended to promote sales and create requests for samples during a time when promoting new wines was challenging. Although this promotion is over, the videos contain SO MUCH great content that we want to make it available to you.
To watch this Virtual Visit on YouTube - click HERE Pro-Tip: Underneath each video there is an expandable description (click Show More) where you will find 'time-stamps' that are quick-linked to particular topics throughout the video for easy navigation and quick information
The following interview was recorded in the fall of 2020 during the Covid lockdown. These videos were intended to promote sales and create requests for samples during a time when promoting new wines was challenging. Although this promotion is over, the videos contain SO MUCH great content that we want to make it available to you.
To watch this Virtual Visit on YouTube - click HERE Pro-Tip: Underneath each video there is an expandable description (click Show More) where you will find 'time-stamps' that are quick-linked to particular topics throughout the video for easy navigation and quick information
la querce seconda chianti
100% sangiovese The Chianti DOCG is the estate’s basic Sangiovese from their property vines that sit just outside the Classico border, and within the zone of Chianti Montespertoli. They take this opportunity to showcase their pristine grapes in the purest form without the use of any wood for aging. After hand-harvesting the vines, the fruit goes through its natural fermentations and aging only in stainless steel, and is bottled when Niccoló thinks the wine is ready to go to the market. A resulting exuberance is present in the finished wine, with fresh aromas of bright cherry, purple flower, and wet stone. For not seeing any time in wood, the balance of grape tannins is lovely, offering delicious grip to accompany the bright red fruit aspect of the mid palate. Enjoy this as a great afternoon sipper, or something to pair nicely with fresh and aged cheeses, or an assortment of pastas. 
la querce seconda chianti classico riserva
sangiovese The Chianti Classico Riserva comes from La Querce Seconda’s pristine organic fruit, which grows on southern facing hills of galestro soils made of loose marl and limestone. Hand harvested at about 2.25 tons per hectare, the wine is left to ferment naturally in stainless steel before it is moved to 10-year-old, 2000-liter French oak tonneau. The resulting wine is stunning, with classic structure and flavor showcasing Tuscany’s most important varietal: Sangiovese. A mature bouquet of ripe fruits, cherry, pomegranate, and violet shoot from the glass with an enticing elegance that foreshadows what is to come. A myriad of wild berries, raspberries, currant, spice, and slight toasted notes come out on the palate and combine with a balanced tannic grip and clean acidity. A silky finish that goes on and on, showcasing the elegance that was alluded to from the aroma. 
la querce seconda 'barabba'
sangiovese, merlot, malvasia fina, colorino The La Querce Seconda Barabba Toscana IGT is a vivid, unadorned expression of Tuscany, blending fruit from several of the estate’s prized sites. The core is 80% Sangiovese from the sandy-clay hillsides of Montespertoli, joined by Merlot from a cobblestone riverbed in San Casciano planted over 30 years ago, and a touch of Malvasia Nera and Colorino from old vines in Romola. Each component is fermented and aged separately in tank for a couple of years before blending, with no oak influence and only a short time in bottle, preserving purity and lift. In the glass, Barabba is fresh and vivid, with aromas of wild cherry, crushed herbs, and a subtle earthy spice. The palate balances supple fruit and fine structure, offering a mouthwatering, food-friendly profile that’s full of character and class; easily quite approachable for simple drinking, yet refined enough to elevate any table. |
la querce seconda chianti classico
100% sangiovese The Chianti Classico comes from La Querce Seconda’s pristine organic fruit that grows on galestro soils of loose marl and limestone. Hand harvested at about 2.5 tons per hectare, the wine is left to ferment naturally in stainless steel before it is moved to 10-year-old, 2000-liter French oak tonneau. Very low amounts of sulfites are used, retaining the pristine quality of the estate’s 100% Sangiovese grapes in their wine. This classic Chianti results in incredible depth of flavor, structure, and class, with a beautifully harmonious aroma; complex with notes of red fruit, currant, plum, spice, light balsamic, and eucalyptus. The palate reconfirms these characters along with a remarkable structure of integrated tannins, acidity, and a long, well-balanced finish. Enjoy this wine with rustic Tuscan fare, game, firm Pecorino, or tomato-based dishes. 
la querce seconda chianti classico gran selezione
sangiovese The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione comes a small plot of Sangiovese vines that were planted by Niccolo’s mother in the early 1970s, just on the south side of the village of Romola. The fruit is carefully selected and undergoes natural fermentation in stainless steel tank before being gently pressed, and then moved to aged tonneau and a very large barrel known as a ‘botti grandi’ for 24 months. After this aging, the wine was bottled un-fined and unfiltered, and is a true, rustic, and remarkable example of what Chianti can be. Dark cherry, brambly blackberry, cedar and sandalwood, peach pit, and fresh turned soil shoot forth from the glass, breathing in the oxygen around it deeply so it may fill the void with its stunning aromas. On the palate, the texture is stunning, full of acid and fruit while wrapped with soft and scrumptious tannins that pleasantly fill every corner of the mouth. An assortment of perfectly ripe berries, cocao nib, a combination of dirt and stone, and old-school black licorice dance around the tongue, trading places, making room for other delicious flavors, and all coming together beautifully for a long finish. A stunning Chianti that should be enjoyed and contemplated. |