Before we go on to the almost 300 wines I have reviewed with Tasting Notes of the Chianti Classico Collection 2021 (Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, Riserva and IGT), I thought it might be interesting to give you a brief insight into how Chianti Classico evolved from its beginnings to today.
Chianti Classico has experienced many changes over its long history, for example: it started as a white wine!
The story of this wine region is over seven hundred years in the making. In the Middle Ages the original Lega del Chianti (League of Chianti) consisted of Gaiole, Radda and Castellina. Over the centuries other villages joined them, therefore the boundaries were redefined constantly, until in 1716 Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany issued a Bandol (edict) stating the three original villages of the Lega del Chianti as well as the village of Greve were the only official producers of Chianti.
This remained until the Italian government added another five sub zones which all became under DOC regulations in 1966.
In 1984 the Chianti Classico and the enlarged Chianti zone were separated and each given their own DOCG status.
So the Chianti Classico region is made up of the communes of Castellina, Gaiole, Greve, Radda and some parts of Barberino Val d’ Elsa, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, along with Tavernelle Val di Pesa in the Province of Florence as well as Castelnuovo Berardenga and finally Poggibonsi in the Province of Siena.
The point of this mini history was to give an understanding of the huge diverse terrain, altitudes, soil composition and microclimate encompassing this large denomination that we now call Chianti Classico.
This is without doubt the single most important fact that you need to understand when comparing one estates wine to another... Diversity.
Let’s also consider the problems that Chianti, as a wine, has endured in its long history. As mentioned earlier, over the centuries Chianti started as a pale, light white wine. In the15th Century the wine from the area was a deep coloured red, for which the term “rough” would be an accurate description.
It was an unstable as a wine, probably due to incomplete fermentation, with residual active yeasts. Unclean fermentation receptacles didn’t help. Half dried grapes were added to the must to assist in the fermentation process but these additional sugars most probably caused second fermentation which in turn left carbon dioxide in the wine making it slightly sparkling.
Yet Chianti has survived through all this and even now in the 21st Century some of the original noble families are still are producing Chianti Classico, most notably:
Baron Francesco Ricasoli at Castello Brolio in Gaiole, Count Sebastian Capponi at Villa Calcinaia in Greve, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi at Rocca di Montegrossi in Gaiole, the Mazzei family at Castello di Fonterutoli in Castellina.
Today Chianti Classico production is strictly governed and the quality of these wines has never been better. Over the past thirty years a resurgence led by sustainability, organic farming, careful study of root stock, soil composition analysis and a far better understanding of “cultivated” wine making has enabled this historical wine producing region to become a new leading force in the global wine markets.
This year I received wines from 2013 to 2019. So the tasting was far more interesting than if I concentrated on a single vintage. That said, the vast majority of the 2018’s showed up very well, not as resounding as 2016 or as varied as 2017. I think the single most important contribution to a better wine in 2018 was grape selection. This was brought to my attention at Castello di AMA when I observed the vineyard floor littered with discarded good fruit. Grape selection is meticulous at Castello di AMA. This is always a tricky dilemma for the winemaker: should he/she leave grapes on the ground to achieve higher quality on the vine or have more bottles at less fruit quality?
The 2019 vintage, of which I have only sampled a few, was a really pleasant surprise. Generally, wines were full of energy, expressive, structured and fresh. One or two were jumping out of the glass!
Acknowledgement:
Due to C19 travel restrictions, my Chianti Classico Collection Review and Tasting notes of the 2021 latest releases could not have been published without the huge support offered by the Consorzio and by all the individual wineries in Chianti Classico who kindly arranged delivery of their wines to my office in Umbria.
The assistance of Silvia Fiorentini, Marketing and Communication Manager of the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico and of the all the individual producers, has been truly invaluable and I hereby offer my gratitude.
Tasting Notes
Altiero CC 2017 Riserva
Pale ruby red in colour. Sweet red cherry, violet florals, baking spice, burnt orange peel. Medium bodied. Bitter citrus on the close. A little disjointed.
Points 88 TW
Altiero CC Gran Selezione 2017
Dark ruby red in colour. Needs plenty of aeration. Red cherry, plum, clove. Medium bodied. Fades on the mid palate. Needs structure and acidity.
Point 87 TW
Altiero CC 2018
Ruby red in colour. A mixture of dry red and black fruit. Tense and inward. Lacks energy and structure. Very dry tannins.
Points 86 TW
Badia a Coltibuono Montebello IGT 2015
Ruby red in colour. Black fruits lead the way on this multi grape IGT. Different nuances come and go bringing dark chocolate, tree bark and vanilla. A second wave of red cherries, red berries white pepper and a puff of white smoke. In spite of itself it is harmonious, balanced, elegant and throughly pleasing.
Points 95 TW
Badia a Coltibuono Cultus Boni CC Riserva 2016
Intense ruby red in colour. Warm cherry, burnt orange peel, spring flower petal and liquorice fuse with ultra fine tannins and soft acidity. Structured. Great balance. Interesting mix.
Points 94 TW
Badia a Coltibuono CC Riserva 2016
Intense ruby red in colour with amber hue. Black fruit interplay with balsamic notes, pipe tobacco, Eastern spice. So precise with fresh soft tannins. Integrated. Stunning energy. Stand out wine.
Points 95 TW
Belvedere Campoli CC 2017
Ruby red in colour. Fresh aromas of ripe red fruit, burnt orange peel, eucalyptus, herbs. Expands on mid palate. Good balance. Mid weight. Tightens on the close.
Points 91 TW
Belvedere Campoli Il Tabernacolo CC Gran Selezione 2015
Bright ruby red in colour. Dazzling display of rich ripe fruits, spice, saddle leather. Silky tannins encircle the fruits. Balanced with exceptional delineation.
Points 93 TW
Belvedere Campoli CC Riserva 2016
Bright ruby red in colour. Intense display of ripe black fruit, florals and spice. Layered. Juicy. Floats on the palate.
Points 93 TW
Bibbiano CC 2019
Bright ruby red in colour. Cherry, Kirsch, vanilla. Supple. Good progression with youthful tannins and fresh acidity. Needs aeration. Little into its shell.
Points 91+ TW
Bibbiano CC Riserva 2018
Deep ruby red in colour. Warm red cherry, aromas of spring flowers followed by red berries dusted with sweet spice. Has a breadth of flavour. Layered with good balance and bright intensity.
Points 93 TW
Bibbiano Vigna del Capannino CC Gran Selezione 2018
Ruby red with purple lights. Black fruits interplay with liquorice, mocha, and Eastern spice. Bold and inviting. Coming off mid palate second nuances of blue florals and balsamic notes.
Great symmetry.
Points 95 TW
Bibbiano Vigne di Montornello CC Gran Selezione 2018
Ruby red with garnet undertones. Mixture of red and black fruits, dry forest floor , herbs, leather. Complex structure. Not a shy personality. Considerable appeal.
Points 96 TW
Borgo Scopeto CC Gran Selezione 2016
Ruby red in colour with garnet undertones. Dark cherry and plum fall upon dark chocolate dust in a decadent aroma. The rich opulence of the wine is enhanced by a second wave of warm black berries, orange peel and mocha on the mid palate. Terrific persistence. Slight seashell minerality hovers on the close. Amazing!
Points 96 TW
Borgo Scopeto Vigna Misciano CC Riserva 2017
Garnet red in colour. Red cherry, plum, sweet tobacco, liquorice, dry leather. Soft tannins and fresh acidity. Hits the right notes.
Points 92 TW
Borgo Scopeto CC 2018
Ruby red in colour. Wonderful aroma of cut flowers interpay with black soft berries. Cedar, roasted coffee beans. Firm structure but has poise and elegance.
Points 93 TW
Borratella CC 2017
Ruby red in colour. Soft red cherry, raspberry and mint. Lacks structure and acidity. Asymmetrical.
Points 86 TW
Borratella CC Riserva 2017
Ruby red in colour. Mix of red and black berries, dry Mediterranean herbs, orange peel, liquorice. Acidity comes from sour cherry notes on the back end, this does help with delineation.
Points 88 TW
Brancaia CC 2019
Pale ruby red in colour. Blackberry, dried cherry, liquorice, cigar box, rosemary. Soft juicy mouth feel. Has tremendous elegance for such a young wine. Zesty acidity mixes with mature minerality on a long close.
Points 94 TW
Brancaia CC Riserva 2016
Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, red berries, spice, dry leather, chocolate, slate. Inward looking and intense. Showing ripe fruits, balanced structure and concentrated flavour.
Terroir led wine and typical of Radda.
Points 95 TW
Carpineto CC 2019
Ruby red in colour. Scented mixture of red and black fruits, orange peel, wet earth, mint. Youthful tannins and fresh acidity. Tension and tightness on mid palate. Citrusy on the close.
Points 90 TW
Carpineto CC Gran Selezione 2016
Intense ruby red in colour. Concentrated core of black fruits, sweet spice, liquorice, bitter chocolate and mocha surrounded by ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Body-builder power.
Points 92 TW
Carpineto CC Riserva 2016
Ruby red in colour. Dried sweet black cherry, blueberries, espresso aromas, baked plum, tea tree. Forceful but not overdone. Has drive and power.
Points 93 TW
Casa al Vento Aria CC 2017
Ruby red in colour. Red fruits, violet, crushed sea pebble minerality. Mid weight. Fresh fine tannins. Cedar notes. Good balance. Intense.
Points 92 TW
Casa al Vento Foho CC Riserva 2016
Heady aromas of cherry and blackberries. Vanilla, violet and cedar notes. Plenty of verve. Coates the palate. Has tension and energy.
Points 93 TW
Casa al Vento V’Incanto CC Gran Selezione 2016
Bright ruby red in colour. Spectacular aromas of violet florals. Baked plum, red berries, eucalyptus, cedar, burnt orange peel. Remarkable finesse. Joyful concentration
Points 94 TW
Casa al Vento T’Amo IGT 2018
Pale ruby red in colour. Sweet dry cherry, menthol, violet, orange peel, ginger notes. Balanced and in harmony. Velvet texture. Framework of ripe tannins, acidity and minerality hold the juicy core fruit in place.
Points 92 TW
Casa Sola CC 2017
Deep ruby red in colour. Dark cherry, blackberry, liquorice and menthol form an intense, scented aroma. Chewy tannins and zesty acidity. Mid weight. Needs aeration to open.
Points 91 TW
Casa Sola CC Riserva 2016
Ruby red in colour. Red fruits, plum. Close knit tannins. Pleasant progression. Good energy.
Points 92 TW
Casa Sola CC Gran Selezione 2016
Deep garnet in colour with ruby highlights. Red cherry, pipe tobacco, cedar, dry earth. Notes of Eastern spice. Fresh fine tannins. Vivid acidity. Great balance. Good showing.
Points 93 TW
Casaloste CC 2018
Ruby red in colour. Cherry and blackberry, dried leather, eucalyptus, earthy notes, evolve into an agile wine with soft curves.
Points 91 TW
Casaloste Inversus IGT 2016
Intense ruby red in colour. Spectacular aroma of sweet cherry, orange peel, Eastern spice bitter chocolate and dried Mediterranean herbs introduce this wine. Second wave of minty fresh acidity and crushed stone minerality assist across the mid palate giving an intense display to the finish.
Points 94 TW
Casaloste Don VincEnzo IGT 2015
Intense ruby red in colour. Fresh ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, plum, roast meat, saddle leather, eucalyptus and sweet tobacco all come together to deliver a rich balanced wine. Fruit led. Finely sculpted. Ample and generous.
Points 95 TW
Casaloste CC Riserva 2017
Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry, crushed raspberries. Distinctive eucalyptus and mint aromas. Second wave of nuances of chocolate and cedar. Framed beautifully in a balanced tannin and mineral structure.
Points 93 TW
Casaloste CC Gran Selezione 2016
Deep ruby red in colour. Dark cherry, blackberry, baked plum, chocolate and sweet tobacco.
The 15% volume of alcohol goes unnoticed. Super attractive wine. Palate is so polished. Well crafted.
Points 96 TW
Castelli del Grevepesa Rosso di Toscano 2016
Deep ruby red in colour. Ripe cherry, crushed strawberry. Faint nuances of vanilla and tobacco. Rounded. Approachable. Medium bodied.
Points 89 TW
Castelli del Grevepesa CC Riserva 2017
Intense ruby red in colour. Ripe cherry, red berry, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, pepper. Forward tannins. Back end showing an oak nuance. Savoury.
Points 91 TW
Castelli del Grevepesa Castelgreve CC 2018
Ruby red in colour. Fresh red cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, menthol, baking spice and almond. Good balance. Youthful tannins and acidity - but fresh, clean mouthfeel.
Points 93 TW
Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII CC Riserva 2017
Intense ruby red in colour. Sweet red cherry, plum, soft raspberry, vanilla, cedar, faint oak note. Distinctive. Envelopes the palate. Very serious.
Points 93 TW
Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII CC Gran Selezione 2015
Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, crushed raspberry, liquorice. Oak notes, essence of vanilla. Dry leather and a little smoke on the back end. Savoury. Full of character. Complex. Great weight, length and balance.
Points 94 TW
Castellinuzza CC 2017
Pale ruby red in colour. Delicate aromas of dry cherry, liquorice, orange peel, plum, menthol.
Soft inviting mouthfeel, shows incredible finesse. Rich texture. Burgundian style. Clove spice notes on the close. Beguiling.
Points 93 TW
Castellinuzza CC Riserva 2016
Bright ruby red in colour. Rich red cherry, vanilla, liquorice, blood orange all combine to explode on the mid palate. Balanced. Mineral notes. Juicy texture.
Points 92 TW
Castellinuzza CC Gran Selezione 2015
Ruby red in colour. Ripe red fruits, orange peel, eucalyptus, underbush, white mushroom powder. Ultra fine tannins. Savoury oak notes. Long and focused.
Points 93 TW
Castello di Albola Marangole CC 2017
Garnet in colour with purple translucency. Sweet red cherry, burnt orange peel, crushed blackberry. Dense flavour but Burgundian texture. Quirky.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Albola Santa Caterina CC 2017
Pale ruby red in colour. Red cherry, violet florals, liquorice, menthol. Plump and juicy entry coats the mid palate with a rich textural feel. Tangy acidity and fine grained tannins. Long broad finish.
Points 94 TW
Castello di Albola CC Riserva 2017
Ruby red in colour. Bright red cherry, baked plum, cedar, Mediterranean herbs. Medium bodied. Dark chocolate note. Freshness gives this wine great appeal.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Albola CC 2018
Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, mint, blood orange, herb notes, star anise. Layered minerality. Medium bodied with a juicy texture. Soft tannins and balanced acidity.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Albola Il Solatio CC Gran Selezione 2017
Ruby red in colour. A balanced mixture of fresh ripe cherry, crushed strawberry and blackberry. Notes of cedar, sweet tobacco and vanilla. Dusty tannins. Fresh acidity. A rich, seamless, opulent, structured wine typical of Radda.
Points 96 TW
Castello di Ama CC 2018
Ruby red in colour. Fresh ripe red cherry, pomegranate, liquorice, essence of Kirsch. Round, juicy. Broad persistent finish.
Points 93+ TW
Castello di Ama Montebuoni CC Riserva 2018
Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, red berries, orange peel. Integrated into a succulent juicy mouthfeel. fresh, pure and rounded. So quaffable.
Points 94 TW
Castello di Ama San Lorenzo CC Gran Selezione 2018
Bright ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Deep evolving “junior” of Vigneto Bellavista. Dark cherry, blackberry, orange peel, liquorice, mellow tobacco, spice. Balanced like the scales of justice. So expressive. Endless finish.
Point 97 TW
Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista CC Gran Selezione 2017
Bright ruby red in colour. Fresh red fruits of cherry and raspberry. Layered intensity. Deep expression on the mid palate. Stunning energy. Utterly beguiling.
Points 97 TW
Castello di Bibbione CC Riserva 2017
Ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Blackberry, dark plum, spring cut flowers , vanilla, chocolate. A touch under full bodied. Rounded. Balanced. Juicy close.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Cacchiano CC 2016
Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, pomegranate, liquorice, mint, orange peel. Rounded texture. Bordering on complex. Has depth and firm elegance. Juicy finish.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Cacchiano Millennio CC Riserva 2015
Ruby red in colour. Fresh red fruits lead the charge assisted by saddle leather, blood orange, baking spice. Finely etched minerality. Has poise and freshness that gives suppleness.
Points 93 TW
Castello di Cacchiano CC Gran Selezione 2015
Deep ruby red in colour. Cherry, Kirsch, vanilla, blue florals, liquorice. Light elegant texture. Balanced. Succulent. Fruit flavours in bold print encircled with silky tannins. Palate is so polished. Very long focused finish.
Points 95 TW
Castello di Lucignano CC 2016
Ruby red in colour. Fresh red cherry, raspberry. mint, baked spice, orange peel. Mid weight. Clean acidity carries the wine. Sour notes on back end.
Points 89 TW
Castello di Lucignano CC Riserva 2016
Ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Inviting aromas of black fruits, violet, liquorice and sweet spice. Second wave of nuances include wet earth, olive and cherry. Mid weight. Lacks a little structure.
Points 90 TW
Castello di Meleto CC 2018
Bright ruby red in colour. Morello cherry, raspberry, sweet Sicilian blood orange. Minty freshness.
Dazzles from the off. Vibrancy is tangible. Purity of flavour is compelling.
Points 93 TW
Castello di Meleto CC Riserva 2017
Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, pomegranate, orange peel, mint, sweet Eastern spice.
A charming and elegant wine with a round texture that leaves the deepest impression. The sheer appeal of this wine is boundless.
Points 95 TW
Castello di Monsanto CC 2019
Ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Glorious bouquet of dark fruits, lavender notes, zesty orange peel, violet, dark spice. Cool mouthfeel of solid fruit core surrounded by fresh tannins and minty acidity. Approachable.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Monsanto CC Riserva 2018
Pale ruby red in colour. Ripe red cherry, sweet tobacco, liquorice, menthol, baking spice and violet florals. Purity of primary flavours is compelling. Completely seduces the imbiber.
Vibrant. Elegant. Powerful yet refined. A joy.
Points 95 TW
Castello di Monsanto CC Gran Selezione 2016
Intense ruby red in colour. Rich black cherry, high pitched floral notes, cedar, almond and Eastern spice. Bold and inviting. A masterpiece of structure. Palate is so polished. Mesmerising.
Points 97 TW
Castello di Querceto CC 2019
Ruby red in colour with purple rim. Fresh floral aromas, menthol notes, sour cherry, blackberry. Structured. Clean mouth feel. Needs to soften.
Points 90 TW
Castello di Querceto CC Riserva 2018
Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry, plum, bitter orange peel. Light in texture. All happens on mid palate. Faint sage and chocolate notes on the back end.
Points 91 TW
Castello di Querceto La Corte CC 2018
Bright ruby red in colour. Wild cherry, orange peel and mint float on the palate beneath a fragrant canopy of violet and rose petals. Has the house usual style of a lighter, feminine character. Harmonious.
Points 93 TW
Castello di Querceto Il Picchio CC 2018
Rudy red in colour. Dark berries mint, orange peel, grilled mediterranean herbs, black olive and dark chocolate. Brooding and muscular.
Points 93 TW
Castello di Radda CC 2018
Pale ruby red in colour. Fresh floral aromatics interplay with red cherry, liquorice, burnt orange peel and mint. Soft texture. A charming and pretty wine. Creamy and voluptuous.
Points 93 TW
Castello di Radda CC Riserva 2016
Ruby red in colour. Beguiling aromas of ripe red cherry, rose petal, liquorice, blood orange and baking spice. Silky tannins encircle fresh fruit. Plump and juicy on mid palate. Exceptional finesse.
Points 94 TW
Castello di Radda Vigna Il Corno CC Gran Selezione 2015
Bright ruby red in colour. Dark cherry, plum, blackberry, orange peel, bitter chocolate, mocha, white smoke and dry Mediterranean herb. Dense and sumptuous. Superb intensity. Caressing tannins with long finish.
Points 94 TW
Castello di Volpaia CC 2019
Bright ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Amazing aroma of spring flowers, violet, petal, sweet red fruits, liquorice, cedar, dry forest floor, spice. Creamy, elegant, fantastic length and balance. A total winner!
Points 95 TW
Castello di Volpaia CC Riserva 2018
Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, plum, crushed raspberries, dry leather. Youthful tannins, zesty acidity. A puff of white smoke with a nuance of cigar box from mid palate to the linear finish.
Point 93 TW
Castello La Leccia CC 2018
Deep ruby red in colour. Black fruit, almond, spice, liquorice. Poised and polished. Has wide shoulders. Dense and juicy. Layered. Citrusy character on the finish.
Points 92 TW
Castello La Leccia CC Riserva 2016
Ruby red in colour. Fresh red cherry, berries, sweet tobacco, leather, earthy notes. Medium bodied. Chewy tannins prevale but are ripe. Tension on the close.
Points 92 TW
Castello La Leccia Bruciagna CC Gran Selezione 2015
Ruby red in colour. Ripe red cherry, red berries, dry herbs, dark chocolate. Medium bodied. Core concentration of ripe fruit framed in ultra fine tannins, acidity and complex minerality. Great showing.
Points 93 TW
Castello Monterinaldi CC 2017
Deep ruby red in colour. Rich red cherry, plum, blood orange, mint, dry herbs. Mid palate shows crushed blackberries, spice and toasted oaky notes. Succulent. Pure. Incredible poise and grace. Unusual direction for a wine from Radda.
Points 93 TW
Castello Monterinaldi CC Riserva 2017
Bright ruby red in colour. Red cherry, red berries, blue floral notes, dry leather. Solid core of warm soft fruit and fresh tannins with citrusy acidity. A little tightness on the back end does not detract from the juicy long finish.
Points 93 TW
Castello Vicchiomaggio Guardo Alto CC 2019
Bright ruby red in colour. Raspberry, liquorice and plum open up on mid palate bringing nuances of menthol, walnut and white pepper. Soft tannins mix with zesty acidity. Fresh and clean. Good showing.
Points 92+ TW
Castello Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri CC Riserva 2017
Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry, red currant, cedar wood aromatics, citrus notes. Good balance. Wild and savoury.
Points 93 TW
Castello Vicchiomaggio La Prima CC Gran Selezione 2016
Ruby red in colour. Fresh red cherry, raspberry. Aromas of warm spice. Caressing tannins. Essence of citrus on the back end. Has good clarity.
Points 93 TW
Castello Vicchiomaggio Le Bolle CC Gran Selezione 2016
Ruby red in colour. Red cherry, herbs, bitter chocolate. Savoury. Needs aeration to coax out fine nuances of minty freshness and liquorice.
Points 93 TW
Cavaliere D’Oro CC 2017
Mid ruby red in colour. Red cherry, wild strawberry, tobacco, dried earth. Forward acidity upsets the balance.
Points 89 TW
Cavaliere D’Oro CC Riserva 2017
Ruby red in colour. Plum, red berries, sweet spice, wild mushroom and forest floor. A burst of fresh acidity and minerality accompanies you to the finish.
Points 92 TW
Cavaliere D’Oro Bellezza CC Gran Selezione 2016
Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherry with red berries. Burnt orange peel. Fresh mint notes. Well balanced silky red. Vanilla aromas, fine tannins. Has distinctiveness.
Points 94 TW
