High on a Tuscan hillside, not far from Siena and Perugia, sits the historic Italian town of Cortona (near the central 'top' of the peninsular 'boot' that is Italy). A vast plain extends on one side and on the other, the hill and village. This is the captivating panorama surrounding the Santa Cristina winery, established in 2006 to strengthen and renew the tradition of crafting its eponymous wine, over 70 years after its first vintage. Of course, it's also pretty relevant that Santa Cristina is owned by Marchesi Antinori (who have been crafting wines since 1385 [26 generations!!!] and are considered one of the premiere wineries in all of Italy!).
We have carried and featured the wines of Santa Cristina for many, many years as they have historically offered amazing bottlings for a great price-- they have once again produced a winner and even made the Top 50 in Wine Spectator's "Top 100" wines of 2024-- deservedly so! While the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal has been utilized in Italian winemaking since the early 19th century it wasn't really until the 1970s that it really hit its mark. Tuscan winemakers started blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese to create Super Tuscans, which proved to be a winning formula. With the climate, terroir and sunlight in Tuscany, no wonder the Cabernet Sauvignon grape thrives!
The nose starts with bright ripe fruits, mixed florals and a touch of hillside brush. Cherries and berries continue in the palate as the ripe, rich flavors, clearly in the foreground, are kept balanced by light acidity and soft tannins. The balanced body and finish of more fruits and a touch of spice really showcases the class that Santa Cristina brings to the table-- why not celebrate the month of love with one lovely wine! Bring it on! Goes great with tailgating, too!
#49 WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100 2024
WINE SPECTATOR 90 POINTS - "A balanced, supple version, with a smoky undertone to the black cherry and blackberry fruit. Graphite and rosemary accents join the long finish. Drink now through 2027."
We have carried and featured the wines of Santa Cristina for many, many years as they have historically offered amazing bottlings for a great price-- they have once again produced a winner and even made the Top 50 in Wine Spectator's "Top 100" wines of 2024-- deservedly so! While the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal has been utilized in Italian winemaking since the early 19th century it wasn't really until the 1970s that it really hit its mark. Tuscan winemakers started blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese to create Super Tuscans, which proved to be a winning formula. With the climate, terroir and sunlight in Tuscany, no wonder the Cabernet Sauvignon grape thrives!
The nose starts with bright ripe fruits, mixed florals and a touch of hillside brush. Cherries and berries continue in the palate as the ripe, rich flavors, clearly in the foreground, are kept balanced by light acidity and soft tannins. The balanced body and finish of more fruits and a touch of spice really showcases the class that Santa Cristina brings to the table-- why not celebrate the month of love with one lovely wine! Bring it on! Goes great with tailgating, too!
#49 WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100 2024
WINE SPECTATOR 90 POINTS - "A balanced, supple version, with a smoky undertone to the black cherry and blackberry fruit. Graphite and rosemary accents join the long finish. Drink now through 2027."
