In a world of wine that is looking with ever greater interest at the horizon of dealcoholization to intercept new consumption and consumers, perhaps it would be enough to simply turn our attention to the past to find answers capable of tracing the path of the future. There is, in fact, a path that should not be underestimated that allows us to remain within the furrow traced by tradition, but bringing that touch of modernity capable of embracing the tastes and needs of the New Gen. If the trend towards conscious drinking is gaining momentum, the growing attention to a more health-conscious approach even when looking at the glass is pointing directly towards low-alcohol options. But the offer, in this segment, is still too limited. And yet, the Italian wine world would have a lot to say about it. Just as the latest “creation” signed by Mario Piccini, histrionic producer and representative of one of the historic families of Italian wine, who has always based his style, oenological but not only, on breaking the established rules, testifies. This is how Piccini Slim is born today, a Chianti Docg that redesigns the most classic of Tuscan wines. A new entry for 2024 for the company that created the iconic Orange, which is also joined by the versatility of the Eleven line, with a fresh and contemporary white and red with a low alcohol content.
Piccini Slim: a new idea of Chianti
It is more of a rediscovery than a novelty Piccini Slim. Called to rewrite the rules of Chianti, redesigning the most classic of Tuscan wines, it presents itself with its fresh and fruity style, in addition of course to a reduced alcohol content. But these traits do nothing but rediscover the origins of one of the most iconic productions in Italy. A wine to drink, capable of bringing the future of taste to the table today, but recalling in the glass exactly what the Chianti of the past was, also with an alcohol content that rarely exceeded 11% Vol.
It is a meeting between Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that after harvesting, pressing and fermentation at a controlled temperature, essential steps to control the exact degree of alcoholic extraction, continues with a vinification aimed at reaching the desired degree. The wine then presents itself with a lively ruby red, in which elegant purple reflections stand out. The nose opens on a fruity and floral bouquet, in which notes of fresh cherry stand out and evolve to pomegranate. In the background, hints of rose and violet emerge. On the palate it does not lose its slim tone, followed by a freshness that makes it an absolute drink. The tannins are balanced and silky, in balance with the acidic shoulder. On the finish it is persistent and very elegant.
A perfect low alcohol idea for the bottle to bring to the table on the occasion of a pizza night with friends and in the classic midnight spaghetti or more generally with a pasta with sauce.
Eleven: the joyful nature of a low-alcohol red and white
The low alcohol content and associated calorie content is also the path chosen for the revolution of Eleven, a line that features two low alcohol wines, a white and a red, with a young and fruity style. The watchword: versatility. For a contemporary and fresh approach to consumption, which is conceived in the name of the most cheerful lightheartedness. A glass to share with friends, the perfect occasion is the one chosen by everyone: this is how the two labels that define the Eleven line should be read.
The goal is to ferry a new generation into a world that is often too “dusty”, through two blends that are easily “assimilable” by everyone in terms of taste.
On one side Merlot and Sangiovese, with the Eleven Rosso d’Italia making its appearance dressed in an intense ruby red, a chromatic prelude to inviting aromas of ripe black cherries, framed by hints of vanilla and medicinal herbs. The sip reveals its silky consistency, between memories of cherry, currant and white chocolate.
The perfect pairing on the table for Sunday family lunch, including tomato-based first courses, grilled chicken, pork and medium-aged cheeses.
A similar argument applies to its “twin”, the Eleven Bianco d’Italia, also characterized by the canonical alcohol content of 11% Vol., which the line also recalls in its name. A successful marriage between Chardonnay and Sauvignon, it presents itself with a brilliant straw yellow color. The bouquet combines the fruity hints of green apple and citrus peel, typical of Chardonnay, with the tropical fruits of Sauvignon. On the palate, it spreads balance and harmony, leading towards a clean finish animated by an elegant vitality.
The bottle as an aperitif by definition, but also an excellent choice to accompany seafood, imagining the next vacation, or a quick lunch with friends that sees salads and light dishes on the table.
