Villa Il Palagio, tucked seamlessly into Tuscany’s fertile and lush rolling hills, has been a vine growing and wine making estate since the 16th century. The peaceful 350 hectare sanctuary has been the summer home of Sting and Trudie Styler for more than two decades. Over that time, they’ve carefully restored the historic property’s vineyards and olive groves, as well as the main villa, and guesthouses, transforming the estate into a vibrant and fully functioning organic farm and vineyard. Befitting the property’s lineage, the couple worked with highly renowned consultants to help realize the vineyards’ true potential, including viticulturist Alan York, terroir scientist Pedro Parra, and winemaker Paolo Caciorgna. The winery is currently in the capable hands of consultant winemaker Riccardo Cotarella.
I was fortunate enough to visit Il Palagio again this August, for Sting and Trudie’s 30th wedding anniversary celebration, where I snapped the photos above and below, and filmed Sting singing Englishman in New York. Their love for their family, friends, and Toscana home was stronger than ever. We are proud to bring these special wines into Canada, and excited to have When We Dance Chianti 2021 now available at the LCBO.
Il Palagio When We Dance Chianti 2021
Tuscany’s Villa Il Palagio has been a vine growing and wine making estate since the 16th century. For the last two decades it’s been the summer home of Sting and Trudy Styler, who have transformed the estate into a vibrant organic farm and vineyard. Over that time, they’ve worked with consultants Alan York and Pedro Parra to design the vineyards and farming practices. This Sangiovese is splashed with Canaiolo and Colorino, and was fermented and aged in stainless for six months.
“Just about one year later and Sting’s “When We Dance” finds itself smack dab in the middle of his three and half minute pop song. You know, where he repeats the mantra “I’m still in love” over and over. As we are with this fine trio of local varieties harmonized for real and everlasting effect. From the Valdarno area east of Chianti Classico and a sangiovese accented by small splashes of canaiolo and colorino. Named after Sting’s song “When We Dance” and the allusion to the idea that “angels will run and hide their wings.” The song was released in 1999 and funny because this ’21 and many Chianti from the vintage are reminiscent of those from 1999. Free and generous wines they are, exemplary of the land and place, pure at heart, flowing, graceful and loving. This is a lovely wine. Drink 2022-2024. 90 points, Michael Godel, WineAlign
Appellation : DOCG Chianti
Region : Toscana
Country : Italy
Grape(s) : Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino
Price : $25.95
LCBO : 14008
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Cheers,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
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