Enrico and Niccolò are the sons of one of the most respected winemakers and consultants in Italy, Stefano Chioccioli, whose consultation wines have scored more 90-plus-point ratings than any other Italian winemaker. Raised in the undulating hillside town of Greve in Chianti, Enrico and Niccolò grew up watching their father’s passion and almost absorbing it by way of kinship osmosis. As they entered adulthood, they knew they wanted to take their father’s legacy and work to create pure, terroir-driven wines in their most-loved Tuscan homeland. Niccolò is a winemaker by education, firsthand experience, and his father’s caring mentorship, while Enrico, a former lawyer, is now a master distiller, running the spirits side of their brand. Their younger sister, Ginevra, with a Masters Degree in Biology, has joined the family efforts by studying and improving the vineyard land and soils, as well as managing the communication aspects of their brand.

Together, this second-generation trio of siblings has come together to craft an awe-worthy portfolio of regionally expressive, wonderfully authentic wines that is carving out a solid reputation for them in Tuscany and beyond. Their Cuvée della Terra (or “blend of the earth”) is a sparkling wine made of 100% native Sangiovese grapes that were hand-harvested and gently pressed before fermenting in stainless steel and egg-shaped terracotta amphoras (another nod to the wine’s name). The still wine is bottled with no dosage for that extra-dry, but still fruity character, before aging on the lees for a total of 40 months

You couldn’t ask for a more intriguingly complex and thrillingly expressive Tuscan sparkling wine, especially for the price! Tack on the craftsmanship and pedigree demonstrated by this crew, and it’s a straight-up steal. The wine opens with an ever-compelling and bright kiwi and honeysuckle nose, followed by nutty, almost-burnt caramel vibes on the palate. Yeasty dough, with lime pith, and tingly pink peppercorns come to life in the mouth, while the finish brings with it these candied stone fruit characteristics of enchanting dried apricots and peaches. It’s absolutely delightful to imbibe and savor, and even with no dosage, there’s a mouth-filling, round, ripe, and almost sweet and bitter character that evokes biting a bit too eagerly through the flesh of a cantaloupe melon – scraping a bit into the hide. It’s impossible not to get excited about such a wondrous and new bubbly – and this is one to share! It’s no wonder Tasting Panel called this “a party in a bottle” in their 93 point review – a sentiment we wholeheartedly second! It’s amazing to offer something so enticing and fun for the mere price of $22… when you pop yours, and take that first mysterious sip of this unconventional sparkler, you’ll be hooked for life. Now the only question is, a six-pack or a case?