Tasting Report: My Top New-Release Chianti Classico Riservas
Click here for video featuring Castello di Bossi as part of Episode V of Chianti Classico Diaries (Castelnuovo Berardenga)
Some outstanding Chianti Classico Riservas are out on the market this year, and I tasted about three dozen that you should definitely look out for. They offer bright and rich fruit with fine tannins and a freshness that comes from the unique soils and microclimates of Tuscany's most dischitinctive region.
A top Chianti Classico Riserva can have the structure and potential of an outstanding Brunello di Montalcino. It will be drinkable on release, but improve with age. These are wines definitely worth cellaring.
As I’ve written before, and as I hope my wine internet television series Chianti Classico Diaries illustrates, it's clear that many communes are better areas for making top quality wines, and the serious consumer needs to understand the differences within Chianti Classico. My top comunes for Chianti Classico are Castelnuovo Berardenga, Castellina in Chianti and Greve in Chianti (which includes Panzano). Gaiole in Chianti, San Casciano in Chianti and Barberino Val d’Elsa are also excellent.
Click here for video featuring Casaloste as part of The Conclusion of Chianti Classico Diaries (Panzano)
It's not necessarily the case, however, that the designation riserva always means that the consumer is getting a better bottle than the normal one or annata, or indeed one with a single vineyard designation. A winery in theory would select better wines for extra "riserva" treatment and premium prices. But it doesn't always seem the case.
Anyway, this is an old enigma for Chianti Classico. The fact is that overall this year’s releases are excellent – both from the cool, late harvest vintage of 2010 and the sunnier and warmer 2009. It's hard to generalize about which vintage is better. I have a slight preference for the more aromatic and firmer 2010. However, I gave top scores to Chianti Classicos from both vintages. Most are from well-known top names such as Casaloste, Castello di Bossi, Castello di Querceto, Castello di Volpaia, Fontodi and Marchesi Antinori. But there are a few surprises to check out such as Liverano and Casalvento.
There no better way to understand Chianti Classico out there than by watching my wine, internet TV series Chianti Classico Diaries – the first of its kind. Click on the name of the episode to watch: Episode I: Barberino Val d'Elsa, Episode II: San Casciano Val di Pesa, Episode III: Gaiole in Chianti, Episode IV: Castellina in Chianti, Episode V: Castelnuovo Berardenga, Episode VI: Radda in Chianti, Episode VII: Greve in Chianti, Episode VIII: Tavarnelle Val di Pesa & Poggibonsi, Final Episode: Panzano – The Conclusion.
